Ethics agency investigates the way Perry paid for trip

[NoPasaran]

The Texas Ethics Commission has told Gov. Rick Perry that it will decide whether he illegally converted political money to personal use when he used campaign funds to pay for his recent trip to the Bahamas.

At issue is the money Perry used to pay for himself, wife Anita and several top staffers. Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt on Wednesday declined to say how much was spent but noted that it will be listed on Perry's next finance report

-snip-

In 1996, when George W. Bush was governor, the commission fielded questions about the use of political contributions to pay for travel by the governor and his immediate family. Included was a question about whether political funds could pay for the lease or purchase of a private plane for "family visits or trips to family weddings or funerals."

The opinion cited the "personal use" prohibition and said political money could not be used to pay for family travel. The agency cited a 1992 opinion that said political money could be used for spouse's travel only if was connected to official duties or campaigning.

-more- http://www.statesman.com/news/content/auto/epaper/editions/thursday/news_0478e62aa443b031002b.html

This is the trip Goodhair took with Grover Norquist and James Leininger to discuss destroying public education. (And also where Mrs. Goodhair was placated after Rick's dalliance with the Secretary of State.)

[sonias]

1. Imagine that the Ethics Commission sort of doing its job (Not)

Unfortunately the Ethics Commission has no teeth, the most Perry could get a small slap on the wrist. A petty fine, no big deal. The really interesting thing is that Judicial Watch brought the complaint. Hey, corruption is not just for Washington.

(snip)
Violation of the law carries a minor penalty: a civil penalty paid to the state in the amount of any improper expenditure.
(/snip)

Sonia