FEC AIDES BACK FEDERAL
FUNDS FOR BUCHANAN
Buchanan Reform Committee
Sep. 8, 2000
Federal
election officials have determined that Patrick J. Buchanan is
eligible to receive at least some of the $ 12.6 million in federal
campaign funds earmarked for the Reform Party's presidential candidate.
Staff
members recommended to the Federal Election Commission that Buchanan
be preliminarily certified for the funds, but at least one commissioner
opposed the proposal, expressing a desire to discuss the matter
in public. Buchanan's Reform Party rival, John Hagelin, also seeks
the federal funding.
A
public hearing on the issue is scheduled for Tuesday.
"It
is our understanding that the audit staff of the FEC, with total
support of the general counsel, will be recommending to the commission
that they certify Pat Buchanan to receive the $ 12.6 million in
federal funds," Bay Buchanan, the candidate's sister and campaign
chairwoman, said yesterday.
Whatever
the decision, the losing side is certain to appeal in federal
court.
Just
how much of the $ 12.6 million Buchanan could receive has yet
to be determined.
Any
FEC action requires votes from four of the six panel members.
Hagelin
also has filed documents with the FEC to claim the $ 12.6 million.
FEC officials may determine within a week whether he will be eligible.
The
Reform Party split at its convention in Long Beach, Calif., last
month, producing Buchanan and Hagelin as dueling nominees.
Separately
yesterday, a state judge in California declined to block Hagelin
from campaigning under the party's banner.
