Buchanan Hits FEC Jackpot

The Reform Party's disputed $12.6 million in federal campaign money belongs to Pat Buchanan, the Federal Election Commission said Tuesday. But he can't get the money yet.

Buchanan, the former Republican who is counting on the money to revive his presidential campaign, is the rightful recipient of the money as the party's nominee, the FEC said in a 5-1 preliminary ruling.

The commissioners are expected to give their final approval within days, theoretically freeing the U.S. Treasury to give Buchanan a check. However, John Hagelin, who contends that he, not Buchanan, is the party's legitimate nominee, intends to appeal to federal court.

The only negative vote came from commissioner Karl Sandstrom, who expressed concern about the Reform Party's infighting and inability to decide on a sole presidential candidate. He said he preferred that a federal court resolve the question of whether Buchanan or Hagelin was the actual party nominee.

A court will at least get that chance. Hagelin spokesman Bob Roth said after the meeting that an appeal would be filed.

Sandstrom also objected to the commission's speedy decision. He said, "I am convinced that the law requires more of us than of officials at a track meet. ... The staking of a claim is simply not sufficient."

However, commissioner Bradley Smith said it is not the panel's obligation to determine who the Reform Party candidate should be or whether Buchanan was nominated at the party's convention in violation of party rules.

"We do not police the internal matters of parties, and we need not go further," he said. He added later, "There is no doubt here that Buchanan is the party's nominee, and there is no reason to delay the certification."

The commission unanimously agreed that Hagelin failed to meet the qualifications as required by federal law.

The FEC was summoned to referee the battle over the money after both Buchanan and Hagelin claimed the Reform mantle last month at the party's national convention. The raucous gathering in Long Beach, Calif., concluded with two factions selecting separate presidential nominees.