CHIEF OF PROGRESSIVE GIVES $7 MILLION TO ACLU

(Mayfield-AP) -- The top executive of Progressive Corporation has donated
$7 million to the American Civil Liberties Union. Officials say it's the
largest gift ever by an individual.

Peter Lewis earmarked $5 million of yesterday's grant for the
organization's drug-policy litigation project, which is challenging such
practices as drug testing in schools and restrictions on medical marijuana.

The ACLU of Ohio Foundation and the national ACLU received a million apiece.

Lewis is chairman of the auto insurer in the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield.
He's been an ACLU member since 1972.

He also argues for such issues as providing rehabilitation instead of jail
for drug offenders.

Lewis was arrested for marijuana possession in January of 2000 in New Zealand.