Free Republic

<p>In January 1999, state Sen. Don Perata's 26-year-old son, Nick, launched a political direct mail firm based at his father's Alameda home.</p> <p>Within months, the son's firm, Exit Strategies, was receiving tens of thousands of dollars in revenue from the father's Senate campaign committee. At the same time, Exit Strategies began paying consulting fees and rent to the senator, state records and interviews show.</p>