Lamar Alexander, Republican

Views on charity issues: Wants to give donors

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Charity: a Campaign Front-Runner

a double deduction on their federal income taxes for any amount they give to charity that exceeds 5 per cent of their incomes. Says such a “half tithe” deduction would encourage Americans to increase their donations to non-profit groups from the current national average of about 2 per cent of their incomes. Also favors allowing people who do not itemize on their taxes to claim a charitable tax deduction.

The expanded-deduction plan replaces a proposal he advanced in the 1996 race that would have created charitable tax credits for gifts to antipoverty groups. He now believes that “it would be too complicated” for the government to try to distinguish between antipoverty groups and other charities.

In his own words: “The President could lead the country toward the idea of a half tithe. If the government encouraged it by more charitable deductions, and if the President both set a good example himself and encouraged individuals to give more of their money to rebuild families, neighborhoods, churches, and schools, it would happen. Whatever the President values and puts a spotlight on makes a huge difference.”

Charity affiliations: Chaired the National Commission on Philanthropy and Civic Renewal, which was financed by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, in Milwaukee; chaired a fund-raising campaign for the Salvation Army’s Nashville affiliate; served as a senior fellow for the Hudson Institute, a think tank in Indianapolis.

Spouse’s non-profit interests: Leslee (Honey) Alexander serves on the board of Families and Children’s Services of Nashville, the Girl Scouts Council of Cumberland Valley, the Cumberland Museum and Science Center, Renewal House, Metropolitan Nashville Public Education Foundation, and the Council of Community Services.

Campaign Web site: http://www.lamaralexander.com