When I was interviewed for a spot in the Fall 1995 class of what is now called the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership, I expressed my views on campaign financing as follows:

I would eliminate all PAC and corporate contributions and would allow any amount of individual contributions, with reporting of same only if over a certain amount, probably $500.00. My reasons were that it is much harder to stand up to the demands of a large group of contributors than it is one person who may have made a large contribution with public disclosure attached. Candidates can and should appeal to groups for their individual support, and let the groups use their funds for paying lobbyists (a legal option with public disclosure) after the candidate has been elected. I object to corporations using shareholder assets for candidate support, but believe that they have a right to lobby for their interests in the full light of day via paid lobbyists. I also object to corporations exerting pressure on employees to contribute to corporate PACs - they should be encouraging them to make direct contributions to the candidates of their choice. I don't know if I was selected because they liked my approach or if they hoped I would change my mind as a result of going through the class!

Sue Lewis (electronic mail, April 15, 2000)