LIKE SCOT Lehigh (“Khazei’s dynamic flair,’’ Op-ed, Oct. 21 ), I have been impressed by Alan Khazei’s enthusiasm and “texture.’’ What Lehigh did not mention is that Khazei, who seeks the Senate seat vacated by the late Ted Kennedy, is not accepting contributions from political action committees and lobbyists, a decision that makes his candidacy all the more compelling.
One need only look at available data from federal and state elections to understand the significance of such a decision. Campaign finance information available on the Federal Election Commission’s website from the 2007-08 election cycle contains long lists of PAC and lobbyist contributions that in many cases make up half of total receipts.
The website of the National Institute on Money in State Politics has some equally alarming statistics. In 2008, $2.7 billion was contributed nationwide to candidates and committees. In Massachusetts, the total was $48.9 million. Again, the list of PACs and lobbyists seems endless. What a waste.
Kudos to Khazei for taking such an important stand against the role of money in politics.
Cindy Lewis
Lexington 
