In the grand scheme of things you should research donations made to political action committees (PACs) and direct contributions that business make to ALL politicians. That's what lobbyists do. They prowl the halls of government buildings across the country. (Where do you think Barack Obama's $1Billion is coming from, the poor?)
Lobbyists start out in government--where they build up their rolodex. Then they move on to represent businesses who know it is required that they come hat in hand to pay tribute to the legislators who will be passing or not passing legislation that will be levying taxes and regulations upon them.
It is the nature of the beast -- why we need to have elected officials spend less time on the job and go home to work a real job. The Texas legislature meets every 2 years for 140 days (additional days if special sessions are called).
Rick Perry's platform in brief:
1. Don't spend all the money.
2. Have fair and predictable tax and regulatory policy.
3. A legal system that doesn't allow for over suing (lawsuit abuse) and make loser pay (no more jackpot justice).
With that as Rick Perry's platform and political ideology, I conclude that businesses contribute to Rick Perry to have less government entanglement in their business, which would do wonders for their bottom line -- their profits, their ability to expand and employ more people.
UNIONS and TRIAL LAWYERS are the bane of business but they are the top two fair haired children of BIG GOVERNMENT. However we don’t read editorials about their influence, do we?
And on to the campaign money “flowing” into Rick Perry’s pockets. Here’s what I found: In anticipation of the usual comments, I did a search for the 2010 contributions of HEB and Perry Homes and found:
2010 With the notable exception of Lamar Smith (R), mostly Democrat giving, including a PAC contribution for Sen Chuck Schumer (D-NY), also gave to Bill White (D) who lost in his 2010 gubenatorial challenge to Rick Perry – DIDN'T FIND Rick Perry: Charles Butt [HEB CEO] Political Campaign Contributions 2010 Election Cycle [HEB is the largest private company (grocer) in Texas]
2010 With the exception of $1K to Shelia Jackson-Lee and Gene Green -- both democrats, ALL GOP giving but DIDN'T FIND Rick Perry: Bob Perry Political Campaign Contributions 2010 Election Cycle -- Bobby Jack Perry (Bob J. Perry); Houston, Texas homebuilder, owner of Perry Homes, and major contributor to a number of 527 groups: Swift Vets and POWs for Truth and the Economic Freedom Fund. ---- In 2010, Perry donated $7 million to the 527 group American Crossroads -- largest single donation that the organization has received to date -- they primarily work to elect Republican legislators; is a member of the Heritage Club. Donated to Tom DeLay’s Texans for a Republican Majority and to Tom DeLay’s defense. In 2006, Perry was the largest political donor in Texas. 2006 donations included nearly $400,000 to the campaign of GOP Governor Rick Perry (no relation).
On a side note, HEB CEO Charles Butt is a piker compared to Perry Homes CEO Bob Perry's giving.
Merck: A FReeper claims a $6K contribution to Rick Perry. Merck has contributed Millions to politicians -- the list is very long.
The question is: Are they paying to get people into government who will keep government off their backs, or are they paying to grow government?
Business vs Unions.
Capitalism vs Socialism.
What makes the most sense?
I know all about PACS and whatnot. Every person in every legislative position in Texas has some thing like "Eagles Forum for Flag Waiving Gimme Some Money & Get Your Law Past". There is a reason some have no other job than being in the legislature which only pays a few grand. Money get funneled to them.