SOROS, LEWIS, SPERLING GIVE TO PROPOSITION 66 FUND

LOS ANGELES - The effort to pass a ballot measure that would tone down
California's tough "three-strikes" sentencing law has received three
$150,000 donations from some of the nation's largest backers of
Democrat-oriented political groups.

International financier George Soros, insurance magnate Peter Lewis
and private university founder John Sperling each gave $150,000 to
help pass Proposition 66, according to campaign finance records. The
contributions were received Friday.

In a written release, the "The Yes on 66 - Fix Three Strikes" campaign
said the $450,000 came via the Drug Policy Alliance Network, a
national drug-law reform organization.

The proposition's backers argue that the three-strikes law unjustly
ensnares small-time users with lifetime sentences. They want the stiff
sentencing guidelines to apply only to people convicted of "serious or
violent" felonies such as rape and murder - what they call the
"original intent" of voters who passed the original law a decade ago.

Proponents said the donations would finance a "a vigorous media
campaign," starting later in the week.

Opponents point out that drug users are only eligible for the harshest
sentences if they have prior felony convictions and argue that
Proposition 66 would release thousands of predatory criminals onto
streets the current law has made safer. Opponents didn't return phone
calls Monday seeking comment on the donations.

Lewis, chairman of the board of the suburban Cleveland-based insurer
Progressive Corp., and Soros are political contribution regulars who
have donated millions this election cycle to Democratic-leaning
causes. Sperling is founder of the University of Phoenix.