IN THE END, IT'S ROSS PEROT'S PARTY. PERIOD.

So far, candidates vying for the Republican and Democratic nominations for president have generated mild interest. But the real show is in the Reform Party, where hardly a day passes without some bizarre development. Can you say "Soap opera?"To be sure, it has been interesting to see Al Gore's efforts to secure the Democratic bid twist and turn as he rapidly went from shoo-in to scrappy contender. And it's been fun watching George W. Bush drain nearly all the campaign dollars from the veins of GOP contributors.

But when it comes to guaranteed headlines and sound bites, leave it to those who call themselves serious third-party candidates and align themselves with the Reform Party.

And that's just about anyone who isn't a Democrat or a Republican.

The latest candidate to step into the spotlight is Pat Buchanan. After failing thrice in his efforts to be the Republican candidate for president, Buchanan has pledged allegiance to the Reform Party flag. It's almost as if Buchanan really believes that by bolting his own party for the Reform ranks that he automatically will be a third-party candidate.

This just isn't the case, of course, and Buchanan knows it. What Buchanan also knows is that there is a pot of gold waiting for whichever candidate ultimately reaches the end of the Reform Party rainbow. So you thought Buchanan's reasons for turning to a third party were noble? That he might possibly see an advantage to espousing Reform Party views whatever they are in the race to the White House.

No, what Pat Buchanan sees is more than $12 million of federal campaign-finance money earmarked for the Reform Party.

But wait a minute. There are some other folks who think carrying the Reform banner is a worthy exercise. Donald Trump. Jesse Ventura. Ross Perot. Sound familiar.

The bottom line in the Reform Party is that it is a party of Ross Perot, by Ross Perot and for Ross Perot. While the Texan may not ultimately choose to be the Reform Party candidate again, you can bet your best pair of pointy-toed boots that Ross Perot will decide who is.

Does Buchanan have a better chance than Ventura or Trump or some other oddball yet to be named in getting Perot's blessing? Who knows.

And who cares? Except that more than $12 million of your money is at stake. Think about that.