The State of the US Science and Space-Research Programs

I read with enthusiasm the pro and con sides to "Can the US Afford the Super Collider?," Aug. 11. Sen. J. Bennett Johnston was ardently for the super collider and Sen. Dale Bumpers was against it. After checking the Voters Self-Defense Manual, approximately 29 percent ($418,350) of the total political action committee (PAC) money received by Mr. Johnston ($1,425,158) from a total of 12 PACs in 1985-90 was from energy PACs.

It appears that Johnston has vested interest in satisfying the energy industry. Mr. Bumpers, on the other hand, didn't seem to have any major contributors. R. Jay, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

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