CALIFORNIA REFORM PARTY CHAIRMAN PLANNING TO WIN STATE IN NOVEMBER.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

Don't tell Michael Farris that Ross Perot's Reform Party has to run third behind the two major parties in the Nov. 5 general election.

Farris, a 27-year-old engineer who is Reform's state chairman, says he thinks the Perot camp has a chance of carrying the state outright.

``We see these polls showing that 60 percent of the people would support a third party,'' Farris said at a breakfast with political reporters this week.

``I think someone with 34 percent of the vote could carry California,'' he said. ``And we will be campaigning in California, doing whatever it takes.''

In 1992, Perot captured 21 percent of the California vote, about 2 percent better than he did nationwide.

Perot's emphasis on the state is symbolized in his decision to hold the first part of the party's two-phased convention Aug. 11 in Long Beach, where potential presidential nominees will address party members.

The nominee will be selected Aug. 18 when the Reform Party meets in Valley Forge, Pa.

Perot has said he would prefer not to be the candidate but will bow to the wishes of his party's members. Former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm has scheduled a news conference for next week to discuss his plans.

Farris said the party is waiting to hear from the Federal Election Commission on whether the Reform Party candidate would be eligible for $65 million in matching funds to wage the campaign.

``Even if we don't get that, we think a credible campaign can be waged for $10 million to $15 million,'' Farris said. ``We believe the Reform Party candidate would be included in any presidential debate, and that gives you exposure.''

Farris said the party also hopes to be a factor in a number of legislative races this year with plans to endorse candidates - whether Democrat or Republican - in various races.

One such race, he said, is the 24th Congressional District seat being vacated by Democrat Anthony Beilenson, who is retiring.

Farris said he believes a Reform Party endorsement could be the deciding factor in what is expected to be a close contest between Republican Richard Sybert and Democrat Brad Sherman.

Beyond that, Farris said, the party will have to remain active through the 1998 election cycle.

``We will have a candidate for governor and the U.S. Senate,'' Farris said. ``We will have to if we want to become a third party. We want `RP' to stand for the Reform Party and not just Ross Perot.''

Farris, 27, is volunteering his time as Reform Party state chairman. He works for Arete Associates of Sherman Oaks, a firm that specializes in studying the physical environment of the oceans. The firm served as a consultant for the film ``Water World.''

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PHOTO Former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm is a leading conten der to run as the presidential candidate for Ross Perot's Reform Party.

Associated Press