Under federal election law, the Reform candidate must certify that he is on the ballot in at least 10 states and then formally ask the FEC for the federal funds. The commission then votes whether to release the money. Four votes are needed.

Buchanan expects to receive the party's nomination and then ask for the money, which the party is entitled to on the strength of its showing in the 1996 election.

But Hagelin plans to make a similar submission to the FEC. Supporters for Buchanan and Hagelin are holding separate conventions in Long Beach, Calif.

Agency spokeswoman Sharon Snyder acknowledged the commission's role.

"We would be certifying the candidate eligible to receive the public funding," she said.

After a candidate has submitted all the required paperwork, the FEC has 10 days to rule on the application. A candidate has 15 days to ask the FEC to reconsider an unfavorable decision, and can then appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Even before the Reform Party formally nominates anyone, Hagelin lawyer Leonard Goldman filed a complaint with the FEC on Thursday, asking it not to certify Buchanan.

"If he claims the federal funds, then that would be a false representation," Goldman said. "The FEC has to determine which convention was the proper convention for the Reform Party."