U. of Phoenix Founder's Gift Is Questioned in Oregon, Which Is Suing His Company

U. of Phoenix Founder Gives Big in a State That Is Suing His Company 2

John Sperling

Enlarge Image

By Eric Kelderman

John G. Sperling, founder of the University of Phoenix, has become known over the years as a generous supporter of liberal causes, especially legalizing marijuana.

So it wasn't a complete surprise in early May when Mr. Sperling donated $70,000 to the campaign of Ellen F. Rosenblum, a Democratic candidate for attorney general in Oregon. Ms. Rosenblum, a former judge on the Oregon Court of Appeals, had come under fire from her Democratic-primary opponent for supporting the state's