To be sure, this convention has not been scripted. Simmering tensions within the Reform Party boiled over this week at the party's convention in Long Beach, California. Followers of party-founder Ross Perot, who initially invited Patrick Buchanan to join the party because of Buchanan's national name recognition, had grown increasingly frustrated with what many see as the hijacking of the party's state organizations by Buchanan and his allies. The party has traditionally avoided divisive social or moral issues such as abortion and gay rights, issues central to Buchanan's hard-right agenda. After months of maneuvering and party infighting, Buchanan arrived in Long Beach with the most delegates. Two days of confusion and conflict followed, after which the party split in two, with Perot followers setting up their own convention next door and nominating John Hagelin, a physicist and Transcendental Mediation advocate who previously ran twice for president on the Natural Law Party ticket. At stake is $12.6 million in federal matching funds. While both candidates will no doubt declare that they have the nomination, the disposal of the money will most likely be decided by federal election officials. The Perot-Hagelin wing has already filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission contending that Buchanan's forces rigged the nomination process. Whichever candidate is awarded the funds, his strategy will almost certainly be to spend the bulk of the money in September, hoping to secure a spot in upcoming the presidential debates.