Countywide : Die-Hard Backers Hold Perot Rally in Thousand Oaks

President George Bush may be the favorite son in Texas this week, but die-hard supporters of billionaire Ross Perot rallied in Thousand Oaks Wednesday to keep their leader on voters’ minds.

When Perot aborted his presidential bid, “I could have killed him,” said April Benton, 50, of Ventura as she stood on the corner of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Moorpark Road with about 60 people.

Still, Benton believes that Perot is ready to jump back into the race.

“He’s the most honest candidate,” she said.

“The other two, they speak and I hear them, but I don’t believe them.”

During the nearly two-hour rally, supporters held flags and hand-lettered signs as motorists drove by the busy intersection. Some bore the message “No Clinton, No Bush, No More Hot Air.”

The Perot campaign headquarters that opened earlier this year at 3065 Thousand Oaks Blvd. has never shut its doors, and volunteers continue to stream into the office, said Rod Billman, chairman of the Conejo Valley Perot Petition Committee.

The committee has formed a new group, called United We Stand, dedicated to supporting Perot when and if he re-enters the presidential race.

Billman said Perot is expected to make a comeback in October.

“He’s going to be back. No question about it,” Billman said.

Bob Hayden, the Perot campaign’s state coordinator, said five to 10 campaign offices remain open statewide.

Perot is still on the November ballot in California and in 46 other states.