George Mason University; Cato Institute; Julian Sanchez; Rob Stein; Koch influence on George Mason University

Julian Sanchez, a fellow at the Cato Institute, soon exalted George Mason as a "libertarian mecca," saying, "It may well be the most heavily libertarian-staffed institution of higher education in the country." Liberals, however, regarded the Kochs' singular influence over the school with suspicion. "It's ground zero for deregulation policy in Washington," said Rob Stein, the Democratic political strategist who studied how the right wing spent money. Noting the Kochs' unusually large role, he said, "George Mason is a public university and receives public funds. Virginia is hosting an institution that the Kochs practically control." (184)