Judge Bows Out of Reform Party Dispute

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that he does not have jurisdiction to decide who is the Reform Party’s real presidential nominee.

Allies of Pat Buchanan sought an order barring an opposing faction from operating under the party’s name. U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon said he lacks jurisdiction because the power struggle did not raise a constitutional issue.

During the party’s convention in Long Beach earlier this month, delegates opposed to Buchanan declared his nomination illegitimate and walked out. That group then held its own convention across the street and nominated John Hagelin, a physicist from Iowa.

Both sides are seeking $12.6 million in Federal Election Commission money and have been working to get on state ballots.

Dale Cooter, attorney for the Buchanan faction, said he will take the issue to a state court, possibly as early as next week. He wasn’t sure where he would file.

“Hagelin hasn’t seen the last of me just yet,” he said.

Jim Mangia, a Hagelin backer, called Wednesday’s ruling “a small victory.”

“This dispute will go on until Pat Buchanan goes back to the Republican Party where he belongs,” Mangia said.

Buchanan left the GOP last October to run under the Reform Party banner.

State election commissions across the country are grappling to decide whether Buchanan or Hagelin should appear on their general election ballots. Two states literally have drawn names out of hats to decide who would be listed.