Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON : GOP Urged to Let Buchanan Speak

Ralph Reed, executive director of the Christian Coalition, said conservative commentator Patrick J. Buchanan should be allowed to speak at the Republican National Convention. “I frankly do not understand the decision of not even allowing him to speak,” Reed said on “Fox News Sunday.” Buchanan, whose militant opposition to abortion is unpopular with some party leaders, finished a distant second in the GOP primaries but has yet to endorse presumptive GOP standard-bearer Bob Dole. Buchanan considers himself to be an active candidate and seeks a prime-time speaking slot at the convention next month in San Diego.