Big donors prefer Perry

If you want a preview of the 2006 Republican primary for Governor, here it is from the Fat Cat perspective.

Some big Republican givers are choosing sides in the battle between Gov. Rick Perry and state Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, campaign finance reports filed Thursday indicate.

Four of the biggest GOP donors, who regularly sign $25,000 checks to politicians, declined in the last six months to give to Mrs. Strayhorn.

[...]

In the campaign reports, noticeably absent from the contributors to Mrs. Strayhorn was [James] Leininger, who had donated $100,000 to her from January 2000 through June 2003.

Also missing are Dallas oilman Louis Beecherl, who had given $65,000 over the same period; Houston homebuilder Bob Perry, who had provided $160,000 previously; and chemical company executive William McMinn, who had given $125,000.

All four men gave to Mr. Perry this time, for a total of $175,000.

Bill Miller, whose Austin public relations and lobbying firm represents Bob Perry, said the omission was purposeful.

"He's unhappy with her criticism of other Republican leaders," Mr. Miller said of his client.

[...]

Several big GOP donors continued to give to both candidates, including Lonnie Pilgrim, Harlan Crow, H. Zachary, Mike Rutherford, Kenneth Banks and Robert and Gordon Johnson. They gave a total of $110,000 to Mr. Perry and $163,000 to Mrs. Strayhorn.

Mr. Perry reported that he had $5.1 million in his campaign war chest; Mrs. Strayhorn reported having $3.6 million.

$3.6 million is still a lot of money, but this may be an omen. Too bad there's so much time between the primary and the general; it would be nice to see these two drain their accounts attacking each other and be pressed to catch up afterwards. Oh, well. Via Free State Standard.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on July 21, 2004 to Election 2006 | TrackBack