While the amount of the donation is larger than normal, this should be no surprise to anybody who has been paying attention to Oregon politics.

The sweatshop pioneer has been donating to Republicans for many years. He also has consistently donated to campaigns to defeat desperately needed school funding tax measures. Knight feels that he has to pay too much in taxes and wants more tax cuts.

And speaking of taxes, not long ago the Republican-friendly billionaire was identified as one of America's biggest tax-dodgers, stashing over ten billion in overseas tax havens. In Phil's mind he can never be rich enough. Meanwhile Oregon's public schools lead the country in class size and have one of the shortest school years. 

What is surprising is how many people who identify as progressive, liberal, etc., continue to support Nike buying their clothing and acting as Nike advertisers.  Our School District actually signed a contract to use Nike gear requiring students to advertise for Nike.