Lamm Gives Himself a 50-50 Chance

DENVER — Despite a lack of money or name recognition, former Colorado Gov. Richard D. Lamm predicted Friday that he has a 50-50 chance to win the Reform Party nomination over founder Ross Perot.

In an interview on CNN’s “Crossfire,” Lamm also said he would not accept the party’s vice presidential nomination and, if he were nominated, would not offer the second spot to Perot.

“That’s not meant to be a cut to him. I just don’t think Ross Perot or Dick Lamm are No. 2 people,” Lamm said.

Although Lamm lacks Perot’s recognition and money, he said he remains confident that he will win with a grass-roots campaign. Asked if he had a chance to defeat Perot, he said: “I do. I absolutely do. . . . I think it’s a 50-50 chance.”

Earlier Friday, Lamm told participants at a conference on managed health care that many Reform Party petition circulators have told him they won’t support Perot for president.

“They think he’s come up with some good ideas, but they realize he is not the person to carry it to the next step,” Lamm said.