in the 1992 u.s. presidential election, garson was the running mate for j. quinn brisben on the socialist party usa ticket, replacing bill edwards, who died during the race. in august 1992, she received a message on her answering machine: "we're sorry to tell you that the socialist vice-presidential candidate, bill edwards, has died. we would like your help in writing a press release for the newspapers. and also, would you like to run for vice president?", which she initially believed to be a joke.