Instead, a national primary was held through the mail in which Reform Party supporters voted for a number of candidates, while ballot efforts were concentrated entirely towards the general election.

In 1995, former presidential candidate Ross Perot's lobbying group United We Stand America decided to become a political party.

Initially hesitant, Lamm decided that if Ross Perot didn't run then he would enter the presidential race.

I couldn't become a member of the Reform Party if I wanted to, but I am encouraging people to sign petitions so that they can get on the ballot here in Colorado.

Lamm addressed the Reform Party's 1996 National Convention, held in Long Beach, California.