FEC Approves Matching Funds for 2000 Presidential Candidates

For Immediate Release:                                                                                             Contact:   Sharon Snyder
June 30, 2000                                                                                                                                 Ron Harris
                                                                                                                                                        Ian Stirton
                                                                                                                                                        Kelly Huff




FEC APPROVES MATCHING FUNDS FOR 2000 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission today certified Ralph Nader eligible for Federal matching funds and also certified payment of $100,000 for his 2000 campaign for the nomination of the Green Party.

	In addition, the Commission certified  $ 1,783,397.48 in Federal Matching Funds to seven  other 2000 Presidential candidates.  The U.S. Treasury Department will make partial payments later this month.

	This raises to $ 57,897,483.48 the total amount of federal funds certified thus far to 10 Presidential candidates eligible to receive federal primary matching funds. The total ''''96 pre-convention certifications to 11 candidates was $58,538,356.15.

	The following chart lists the amount certified to each candidate, along with the cumulative amount each has been certified to date. Due to the fact that there are insufficient funds to pay these amounts, Treasury will calculate a reduced amount for each campaign. Reduced payments will continue until the Fund has been replenished, at which time each campaign will receive the amount it is due.


CANDIDATE

CERTIFICATION 
TODAY

CUMULATIVE CERTIFICATIONS
(including today’s)


Gary L. Bauer (R)

$     96,782.18

$   4,771,139.94


Bill Bradley (D)

$              0.00

$ 12,462,047.69


Patrick J. Buchanan (Ref)

$   110,562.22

$   3,852,250.41


Al Gore (D)

$   672,879.40

$ 15,317,874.13


John Hagelin (NL)

$     65,541.00

$      314,135.00


Alan L. Keyes (R)

$   422,598.54

$   3,325,344.36


Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr.  (D)

$   283,036.92

$   1,184,375.85


John McCain (R)

$   131,997.22

$ 14,467,791.10


Ralph Nader (G)

$   100,000.00

$      100,000.00


Dan Quayle (R)

$              0.00

$   2,102,525.00



	To be eligible to receive Federal Matching Funds, a candidate must first raise $100,000 in contributions from individuals:  $5,000-plus in 20 different states, in amounts of no more than $250 from any individual contributor.  Candidates must also agree to abide by spending limits, to keep certain records, and to submit those records for audit.

	Candidates may submit requests for funds once each month.  The Commission will certify an amount to be paid by the U.S. Treasury the following month.  Only contributions from individuals in amounts of no more than $250 are matchable.  Following the primary season, or their departure from the race, candidates may be entitled to receive additional matching funds to assist in winding down their campaigns or to retire debts.

	The Commission has previously certified $13,512,000 to each of the two major political parties, and $2,522,690 to the Reform Party (total = $29,546,690) for their 2000 Presidential Nominating Conventions.
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