Buchanan Seeks Most in Matching Funds

WASHINTON —  GOP presidential challenger Patrick J. Buchanan asked the Federal Election Commission for $1.1 million in federal matching funds Monday, more than any other candidate requested this month.

Buchanan reported raising $707,000 through the end of the year. His current request was also based on January fund raising, although his spokesman did not have totals available. Buchanan qualified for matching funds for the first time last week, when the FEC authorized $100,000 for his campaign.

The federal government matches, dollar-for-dollar, contributions of up to $250 that candidates receive once they agree to abide by spending limits and audits.

President Bush’s current matching-funds request is $602,000, the FEC said. The Democrats’ requests are: Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, $663,000; Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey, $439,000; Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, $271,000; former Massachusetts Sen. Paul E. Tsongas, $202,000, and former California Gov. Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr., $160,000.

Bush led all candidates in fund raising through Dec. 31, with nearly $10 million in donations and $7 million in the bank. Spokeswoman Torie Clark said the President has raised $1 million since then.