 These campaign consultants, combined with de Lozada's American background (he grew up in America, and attended the University of Chicago) fostered distrust among the Bolivian people, many of whom blamed the US for damaging the coca industry.At the same time, the campaign tactics also helped to bolster their position.The Movement for Socialism (MAS) was an upstart populist party, led by former coca farmer and union leader Evo Morales.