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Perry Living High on the (Donors') Hog

Lives the high life—but you wouldn't know it listening to him

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 12, 2011 9:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Rick Perry may play up his modest background, but these days he’s living in the lap of luxury—with a little help from his friends. Donors pay for the mansion he rents from the state for $10,000 a month—and they’ve covered worldwide travel, resort visits, top-tier hotel stays, and big entertainment events he attends. On top of that, Perry has received a wealth of gifts from his buddies, Politico reports.

“Coming from a family without means, I think the perks of office can be more important to you, as opposed to if you grew up with means and are more accustomed to it,” as a GOP lawyer puts it. Or, according to a liberal watchdog: “He’s enhanced his lifestyle by taking advantage of a wealthy class that supports him and his campaigns and wants to lavish him with favors.” It helps, too, that Perry is from Texas, a state that’s easygoing on campaign and ethics regulations. Click here to see how those donors are making out, or here for Politico's look at the breakdown of gifts Perry has received.

Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry, right, speaks as his wife Anita looks on during a Republican Party of Orange County rally in Newport Beach, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Perry Living High on the (Donors') Hog

Lives the high life—but you wouldn't know it listening to him

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