How Much Will Buy Rick Perry?

OK, in last night’s TEA Party debate, Rick Perry got called onto the carpet over his executive order to have all 11-year old females in Texas vaccinated against Human Papiloma Virus (HPV). This has rattled both sides of the aisles as huge government intrusion into what should be a personal decision for parents.

The issue was candy-coated by Michele Bachmann who suggested that Merck’s $5000 contribution was all it took to get Rick Perry to order that the HPV vaccine, an exclusive product of Merck, be purchased by the state, and distributed to hundreds of thousands at state expense.

Perry took umbrage that he could be bought for a “mere” $5000. He was offended.

But the campaign contributions aren’t all of what Rick Perry is about, is it? As it turns out, Rick Perry’s former chief-of-staff, Mike Toomey, is the chief lobbyist for Merck in Texas. Rick Perry is also all about handing out sweet deals. Sweet deals handed out then come back to Rick Perry as other sweet deals.

And Rick Perry has profited on sweet deals from his friends.

One hand washes the other.