Perot’s Running Mate Sued Over Uncompleted Radio Deal

Pat Choate, running mate of Reform Party presidential candidate Ross Perot, was sued Thursday for failing to complete a $3.5 million deal to buy a conservative talk-radio network.

In his lawsuit, talk-show host Chuck Harder said he has received no money since Choate and his associates made a $350,000 down payment last spring. The contract called for $2 million to be paid by mid-June and a note for $1.5 million to acquire Peoples Network Inc. in White Springs, Fla.

“Because of who is involved, we bent over backwards not to have to file this thing,” said Harder’s attorney, Robert Persante. “It isn’t something we did lightly.”

Choate, a 55-year-old economist, said he resigned his position as chairman of the company around Sept. 5 or Sept. 6.

“It’s a surprise, but I have had nothing to do with the company for a month,” Choate said. “The last I knew they were moving toward a close.

“I have no authority whatsoever over the conduct of the company and its activities,” he said.