Perry’s perks go to big spenders, says the Chron. Fetch me the smelling salts, quick!
In a solicitation delivered to companies and business-related groups this week, the governor’s office asked for donations ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to fund Perry’s new “TexasOne” program for recruiting new businesses.
About 30 invitations, including one to the Greater Houston Partnership, were sent, Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said.
[…]
Donors at all levels are promised invitations to business briefings hosted by the governor. Additional incentives are keyed to the size of the contribution.
Tier 1 members, those contributing $50,000 a year for three years, are offered participation in an annual quail hunt with the governor at “one of Texas’ premier ranches.”
Tier 2 donors, those giving $25,000 annually for three years, would be invited to a luncheon at the governor’s mansion.
Tier 3 donors get a book of coupons good at all Austin Whataburger locations and a year’s supply of Perry’s hair gel, which is guaranteed to hold no matter how hot and humid it gets.
And before anyone starts carping about quid pro quo and stuff like that, I’ll remind you that it’s wrong and unethical to link legislative activity to campaign contributions, and if that doesn’t shut you up we’ll start saying it’s un-American, too. Off with your heads!
So what will “TexasOne” be spending its money on, anyway?
Funds raised would help pay for a recruitment campaign that, in addition to advertising and trade shows, would include VIP trips for business executives to high-profile events, such as February’s Super Bowl in Houston.
According to the information packet delivered to potential donors, such events will feature “red carpet treatment throughout: flight into Texas, limousine transportation, 4-star hotel accommodations … tickets/box seats for event, personalized clothing (jackets, etc.) for each guest, gifts, etc.”
You know, maybe that $373 per person per day number for Super Bowl Weekend isn’t so outrageous after all. And of course there are other popular ways for visiting bidnessmen to drop a few hundred bucks here and there, but it’s the sort of thing that never gets talked about in family publications.
I would expect a little more than an invitation to a quail hunt for $50,000. Then again, that might fall under “other popular ways to drop a few hundred bucks here and there.
For $1,000, I take it that you would get a coupon good for a free small fries (with a purchase of a Happy Meal) at McDonalds? 😉