Gov. Rick Perry's big donors fare well in Texas

[highplainsdem]

Source: LA Times

Perry has received a total of $37 million over the last decade from just 150 individuals and couples, who are likely to form the backbone of his new effort to win the Republican presidential nomination. The tally represented more than a third of the $102 million he had raised as governor through December, according to data compiled by the watchdog group Texans for Public Justice.

Nearly half of those mega-donors received hefty business contracts, tax breaks or appointments under Perry, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis.

-snip-

Along with Simmons — who won permission to build a low-level radioactive waste disposal site in Texas, a project that promises to generate hundreds of millions of dollars — The Times found dozens of examples in which major donors to Perry have benefited during his tenure.

Auto magnate B.J. "Red" McCombs, who contributed nearly $400,000 to the governor, is the primary financial backer for a Formula One racetrack to be built near Austin. The state has pledged $25 million a year in subsidies to support the project.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-0816-perry-donors-20110816,0,7718310.story

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The Simmons referred to in the third paragraph quoted above is Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons. Simmons has given Perry $1.12 million.

The article has more examples of what Perry's major donors have received, and it goes into detail about everything done to give Simmons permission to build that radioactive waste disposal site -- which was too close to groundwater, according to a team of engineers and geologists who recommended that the license be denied, only to have their recommendation ignored by the Perry-appointed environmental agency director, who now works as a lobbyist for Simmons' company.

[begin_within]

1. The corruption is so blatant it would be funny if it weren't so tragic.

But I have a feeling Perry is "the chosen one" who will end up with the nomination. His handlers are presenting him just as GWB was being presented in 1999: arriving at state fairs surrounded by security but shaking hands with everyone.

[Ilsa]

2. Perry, Simmons, and their lot should be forced to drink only that water.

Clean water, any water, is a precious commodity in Texas. Perry treats it like sewage as long as he and his buddies can make money.

[alp227]

3. movetoamend.org - end corporate personhood now

and we need to FIGHT BACK against the super-rich who enable crooked politicians

[McCamy Taylor]

4. Don Siegelman is in federal prison for doing what Perry has done repeatedly.

Unfortunately, the DOJ missed its opportunity to prosecute. If they go after Perry now, it will be called abuse of power. Proof that all crimes need to be prosecuted. The Bush era war criminals will be back in power again, soon, too. Just like Kissinger.

[UTUSN]

5. K&R #10 n/t