Ross Perot Sues Man Who Wants His Name

Billionaire businessman Ross Perot is taking legal action against a Kennewick man who changed his name to Ross Perot and vowed to run for president.

The original Perot filed a lawsuit in Benton County District Court this week, seeking to reverse a judge’s July 30 decision granting the former Bill Jesernig’s petition to change his name.

Jesernig said in the petition that he wanted to change his name “in order to run for president and win.”

He has not filed for office.

Court officials said they had no choice but to approve the name change. State law says name-change applicants must be approved unless they are trying to avoid creditors or are not of sound mind.

In an affidavit filed with the court, the Texas Ross Perot said voters might have trouble telling him from the new Perot.

“If Mr. Jesernig is allowed to retain my name, he will no doubt seek to capitalize on my reputation,” the affidavit said.

Perot and former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm are vying for the Reform Party presidential nomination this year.

The winner is to be presented today at Valley Forge, Pa.