Texas Gov. Rick Perry's Ex-Aide Accused of Vote-Diversion Scheme

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Texas Democrats say GOP Gov. Rick Perry's former chief of staff paid for an unsuccessful effort to get the Green Party on the ballot in Texas in a scheme to divert votes from Democratic challenger Bill White.

Green Party member Garrett Mize testified at a hearing this week that Perry's ex-staffer, Mike Toomey, paid him about $12,000 to persuade his party to use out-of-state contributions to help the petition drive, The Houston Chronicle reported.

Toomey, a lobbyist, is a close friend of Perry's and led the governor's staff from 2002 to 2004. He could not be reached for comment.

On Friday a judge ruled the money used to collect signatures was "an unauthorized, illegal contribution" and granted the state Democratic Party a temporary restraining order to block Green Party candidates from being certified for the November ballot. The Green Party will appeal next week.

"Mike Toomey's involvement in this deal is a watershed today," Chad Dunn, a lawyer for the Texas Democratic Party, told the Chronicle. "Rick Perry needs to answer questions about what he knew and when he knew it."

The Perry campaign denied it was involved in the petition drive. "Our campaign had nothing to do with the Green Party," spokesman Mark Miner told the newspaper.

Filed Under: Republicans, Investigations, Governors

Tagged: dailyguidance, green party, mike toomey, rick perry, texas

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unperroazteca

I dont think we should be payin for Gov Perrys 9,000 /month rent while he drags his heels on fixing the Governers Mansion, if he's the governor, he should foot at least part of the bill!

June 28 2010 at 6:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

beckjr2000

It remains to be seen if Perry has any involvement with this. The Chronicle has always had a Liberal bend and supports White in this election. They also support amnesty for illegal aliens like White, traffic cameras, and the S.E.I.U.

June 25 2010 at 9:38 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to beckjr2000's comment

bookstuboo

I agree that Perry may not have known of this but why do I get the notion if this were a Democrat you woul already have him convicted.

June 26 2010 at 10:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

drbuckles

These people talk about Obama and Chicago politics, but they are just as bad with their own little scandals. Working class Texans are hurting and need someone to work for them.

June 25 2010 at 7:22 PM Report abuse Permalink +5 rate up rate down Reply

andrc657

Will FOX NEWS cover this scandal or are they too busy bashing the democrats?

June 25 2010 at 6:58 PM Report abuse Permalink +6 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to andrc657's comment

bookstuboo

You mean the Fair and Balanced news Station? You have got to be kidding. This type of report having to do with a repub. will never get any time on Fox but if it were a Dem it would be a special report. Fair and Balanced, yeah if you are on the right, unfair and biased if not.

June 26 2010 at 10:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply