Matt Collins
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- Jun 9, 2007
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The mandate was certainly a mistake.
Perry wanted all girls to be vaccinated by 2008 — the same year Texas had the highest rate of uninsured kids in the United States. The governor required that kids receive a series of three shots costing nearly $400 to ward off genital warts. But he did precious little to help provide 1.4 million kids with insurance coverage for health conditions like diabetes, broken bones and the flu.
Though Perry claims his home state is an economic and government model for the nation, Texas is not a model for health care coverage for children. Voters should not ignore his health care record and the despicable lack of health insurance for Texas children.
Des Moines Register: Perry's Texas is no health care model
“The Controversy Over Perry’s Decision Deepened As It Came To Light That His Former Chief Of Staff Was A Lobbyist For Merck...” Tom Bevan, “Rick Perry’s Gardasil Problem.” Real Clear Politics. 6/14/11
“Prompted in part by a vigorous lobbying campaign by Merck, which stands to earn billions of dollars if the vaccine is required… (USA Today, February 8, 2007)
Executive order mandating the HPV vaccination Gardasil for Texas school girls 2007:
Gardasil maker Merk had donated to Perry's campaign and hired his former chief of Staff Mike Toomey as a lobbyist.
-Apparent financial connections between Merck and Perry were reported by news outlets, such as a $6,000 campaign contribution and Merck's hiring of former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey to handle its Texas lobbying work.[47]
Perry's decision has been criticized by some social conservatives and parents due to concerns about possible moral implications of the vaccine and safety concerns. On February 22, 2007, a group of families sued in an attempt to block Perry's executive order.[48] Perry's order has also been criticized for the price of the vaccine: approximately $360 in Texas.[45]
Perry’s Former Chief Of Staff Served As A Lobbyist For Merck During The Time Perry Issued His Order:
Former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey Was A Lobbyist For Merck When Perry Issued The Order Mandating Gardasil For Sixth-Grade Girls.“Mr. Toomey was a lobbyist for Merck when Mr. Perry issued a 2007 executive order requiring all sixth-grade girls in Texas to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer. At the time, the only approved vaccine was Gardasil, made by Merck.” Ross Ramsey, “Perry’s Legion: The Folks Behind The Man,” Texas Tribune, 7/31/11
“[Toomey] Now Has, Some Think, Unusual Sway With Perry.” “Lobbyist Under Scrutiny For Friendship With Perry,” The Associated Press, 8/27/01
The Associated Press: “[Merck] Could Generate Billions In Sales If Gardasil - At $360 For The Three-Shot Regimen -- Were Made Mandatory Across The Country.” “Rick Perry’s Ties With Merck Run Deep,” The Associated Press, 2/2/07
Toomey Has Been Credited With Influencing Perry’s Decisions On A Number Of Issues. “These days, Toomey is being credited with everything from influencing which bills Perry vetoed to being at the center of the Republican attempt to take over control of the Texas House. Some say he’s tried to get rival lobbyists fired because of Democratic or trial lawyer connections.” “Lobbyist Under Scrutiny For Friendship With Perry,” The Associated Press, 8/27/01
It seems Perry used the corporate/public buddy system.
“Texas Gov. Rick Perry's chief of staff met with key aides about the human papillomavirus vaccine the same day its manufacturer donated money to his campaign, documents obtained by The Associated Press show.
“Chief of staff Deirdre Delisi's calendar shows she met with the governor's budget director and three members of his office for an "HPV Vaccine for Children Briefing…”
“That same day, New Jersey-based Merck & Co.'s political action committee donated $5,000 to Perry and $5,000 total to eight state lawmakers.
“Perry's office began meeting with Merck lobbyists about the vaccine as early as mid-August...” (AP Link)
“Mike Toomey, Perry's former chief of staff and Delisi's predecessor, lobbies for the drug company. And the governor accepted a total of $6,000 from Merck during his re-election campaign, including $1,000 in December 2005.” (Associated Press, February 11, 2009)
Toomey has had a long relationship with Perry.
Toomey will earn between $500,000 and $1.1 million this year for his lobbying services, according to state records. And he may well be worth it as one of Perry's best friends. (Associated Press, August 27, 2001)
Bob Schuman is also a friend of Toomey and Perry.
“Another committee, Americans for Rick Perry, is run by California political consultant Bob Schuman, a former campaign consultant for former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas), Perry's political mentor. Schuman’s consulting firm has also represented the pharmaceutical company Merck, which was represented in Texas by Toomey.
“Schuman's effort has so far been underwritten by a large contribution from Texas billionaire Harold Simmons, a major Perry donor who has used his political clout to gain support from Perry’s administration to bury nuclear waste in western Texas. (Blumenthal and Cherkis, Huffington Post, August 13, 2011)
The plot thickens. There’s a mother-in-law in on it.
“The controversy over Perry's decision deepened as it came to light that his former chief of staff was a lobbyist for Merck and that his chief of staff's mother-in-law, Rep. Dianne White Delisi, was the state director of an advocacy group bankrolled by Merck to push legislatures across the country to put forward bills mandating the Gardasil vaccine for preteen girls.” (Tom Bevan, Real Clear Politics, June 4, 2011)
Perry once sold a 9.3-acre tract to computer magnate Michael Dell for nearly four times what he paid for it; influential Texas lobbyist Mike Toomey represented Perry at the sale. The West Austin property sold for $465,000 in 1995 and gave the Dell estate badly needed access to an adjacent municipal sewage district. Perry's wealth fueled by land deals, investment
Among other deals:
Perry once sold a 9.3-acre tract to computer magnate Michael Dell for nearly four times what he paid for it, using influential Texas lobbyist Mike Toomey as the broker. The West Austin property sold for $465,000 in 1995 and gave the Dell estate badly needed access to an adjacent municipal sewage district. Lubbock Online: Gov. Rick Perry's wealth fueled by buying and selling Texas land
According to Delisi's calendar, she met with Toomey three times in the six months before the order was issued. CBS News: Texas Vaccine Meeting, Donation Coincide
Perry was interviewed and apparently unaware of the connections.
“No, he’s not. He’s just another guy. [On Pat Toomey being a powerful lobbyist]
“I had no idea Mike Toomey represents Merck.” (Evan Smith, Texas Monthly, May 2007)
Merck’s Political Action Committee Doanted $5,000 To Perry On The Same Day That High-Level Perry Aides Met To Discuss The Vaccine Plan:
In 2006, Merck Contributed $5,000 To Perry’s Campaign On The Same Day Perry’s Chief Of Staff “Met With Key Aides” To Discuss The HPV Vaccine. “Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff met with key aides about the human papillomavirus vaccine the same day its manufacturer donated money to his campaign, documents obtained by The Associated Press show. Chief of staff Deirdre Delisi’s calendar shows she met with the governor’s budget director and three members of his office for an ‘HPV Vaccine for Children Briefing’ on Oct. 16. That day, New Jersey-based Merck & Co.’s political action committee donated $5,000 to Perry and $5,000 total to eight state lawmakers.” Liz Austin Peterson, “Perry Staff Discussed Vaccine On Day Of Merck Donation,” The Associated Press, 2/22/07
“Perry … Received $6,000 From Merck’s Political Action Committee During His Re-Election Campaign.” “Rick Perry’s Ties With Merck Run Deep,” The Associated Press, 2/2/07
Internal Documents From Perry’s Office Describe The Executive Order As A “Mandate” And Noted The Vaccination Was “Mandatory”:
Office of Governor Perry: “PRIORITY: Mandate The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine As A School Entry Requirement For 11-Year Old Females.” Office Of Governor Rick Perry, “HPV Vaccine And The EO,” Backgrounder, Undated, p. 4.
Office of Governor Perry: The HPV Vaccine “Is Estimated To Cost The State $50 Million In The First Year Of Mandatory Vaccination.”“Administering the vaccine to young women eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children program is estimated to cost the state $50 million in the first year of mandatory vaccination -- however this is not a repeating cost because once vaccinated, there isn’t a need to repeat the vaccination.” Office Of Governor Rick Perry, “HPV Vaccine And The EO,” Backgrounder, Undated, p. 3.
Perry’s Senior Staffers Repeatedly Described The Order As A “Mandate” In Emails:
Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Described The HPV Executive Order As “The Mandate.” LEBLANC: “You mentioned there is [sic] divisions among the physicians about the HPV vaccine. Do you know of a Dr. that would publicly defend the mandate?” Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Office Of The Governor, Email To Nora Cox Belcher, 2/7/07
In Another Email, LeBlanc Referred To The “Mandatory Vaccine.” LEBLANC: “The Dr.’s are just trying [to] not get strapped with more expenditures. The AAP [American Academy of Pediatrics] has 5 concerns with regard to a mandatory vaccine: … 4. Not sure if there are adequate stocks of vaccine. Merck assures us there are plenty. … It doesn’t seem like a very strong stance against what we are doing.” Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Office Of The Governor, Email To Nora Cox Belcher, 2/6/07
In September 2006, Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Wrote: “The Governor’s Office Is Trying To Determine The ‘Impact’ Of Mandating Vaccine Coverage.” BELL: “John, I spoke with Heidi and I understand what she is looking for. The Governor’s office is trying to determine the ‘impact’ of mandating vaccine coverage to eligible populations in Medicaid.” Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Health And Human Services Commission, Email To John Hellerstedt, Subject: “RE HPV Vaccine Coverage In Medicais,” 9/08/06
Bell Provided Perry Aides With Cost Estimates For “Mandating 11-12 Year Old Entering 6th Grade To Have The Vaccine.” BELL: “Nora/Jessica: Attached are the revised cost estimates for HPV vaccine. These estimates take into account: 1. Increased caseloads in 2008 and 2009. 2. Mandating 11-12 year olds entering 6th grade to have the vaccine (without mandating any other age groups).” Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Health And Human Services Commission, Email To Nora Cox Belcher and Jessica Olson, Subject: “Cost Estimates For HPV (Includes Mandate),” 2/6/07
Health And Human Services Commission Memo: “Assumptions: 1. The mandate will only apply to 11 or 12 year olds entering the 6th Grade and thus the uptake for this group would be close to 95%. However, the uptake for the other age groups (9-10) and (12-20) would be at 25%.” Health And Human Services Commission, Texas Department Of State Health Services, “HPV Vaccine Costs,” Memo, 2/6/07
After Lawmakers Voted Down His HPV Order, Perry Held A New Conference With Cancer Victims And Tore Into Legislators, Accusing Them Of Sacrificing Lives For Political Reasons: (View Personal Quotes for what he said)
Austin American Statesman: “Perry Laid Blame For Future Cervical Cancer Deaths At The Feet Of Lawmakers Who Supported The Bill.” “In an emotional speech to reporters Tuesday, during which the governor surrounded himself with women whose lives have been affected by the cancer-causing injection, Perry laid blame for future cervical cancer deaths at the feet of lawmakers who supported the bill. … Perry thanked the minority of legislators who voted against the bill and said, ‘No lost lives will occupy the confines of their conscience, sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” Corrie Maclaggan, “Perry Bows To Vaccine Order’s Foes,” Austin American Statesman, 5/9/07
“A Defiant Gov. Rick Perry Accused Legislators Tuesday Of Sacrificing Women’s Lives To Score Political Points...” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate,” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
Perry’s Own Lieutenant Governor “Chided” Perry For His Remarks, Saying He Was “Disappointed With The Governor’s Comments.” “Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst chided the governor for his frustration with the Legislature. ‘I was a little disappointed with the governor’s comments today,’ said Mr. Dewhurst, who said he believes lawmakers were right on this issue. … ‘The majority of Texans and the majority of the Legislature want to leave that decision to parents. All the governor had to do was talk to us and we would have seen that we have embraced a program where there is an opt-in instead of an opt-out.’ Mr. Dewhurst said.” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate.” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton): “Just Because You Don’t Want To Offer Up 165,000 11-Year-Old Girls To Be Merck’s Study Group Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Care About Women’s Health.” BONNEN: “I think it’s offensive that the governor wants to use cancer victims as his backdrop for an issue that he has grossly mismanaged. … The governor has missed the point that just because you don’t want to offer up 165,000 11-year-old girls to be Merck’s study group doesn’t mean that you don’t care about women’s health, it doesn’t mean that you don’t care about young girls and more importantly, doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t be making the decisions about their medical choices.” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate,” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
New York Times: Tracking the Flow of Money
The administration of Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, a Republican presidential candidate, has doled out millions of dollars in grants that benefit some of his most generous donors. State money awarded to G-Con, a pharmaceutical start-up, provides an example of how state grants appear to be paying dividends for some major Perry contributors.
Perry wanted all girls to be vaccinated by 2008 — the same year Texas had the highest rate of uninsured kids in the United States. The governor required that kids receive a series of three shots costing nearly $400 to ward off genital warts. But he did precious little to help provide 1.4 million kids with insurance coverage for health conditions like diabetes, broken bones and the flu.
Though Perry claims his home state is an economic and government model for the nation, Texas is not a model for health care coverage for children. Voters should not ignore his health care record and the despicable lack of health insurance for Texas children.
Des Moines Register: Perry's Texas is no health care model
“The Controversy Over Perry’s Decision Deepened As It Came To Light That His Former Chief Of Staff Was A Lobbyist For Merck...” Tom Bevan, “Rick Perry’s Gardasil Problem.” Real Clear Politics. 6/14/11
“Prompted in part by a vigorous lobbying campaign by Merck, which stands to earn billions of dollars if the vaccine is required… (USA Today, February 8, 2007)
Executive order mandating the HPV vaccination Gardasil for Texas school girls 2007:
Gardasil maker Merk had donated to Perry's campaign and hired his former chief of Staff Mike Toomey as a lobbyist.
-Apparent financial connections between Merck and Perry were reported by news outlets, such as a $6,000 campaign contribution and Merck's hiring of former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey to handle its Texas lobbying work.[47]
Perry's decision has been criticized by some social conservatives and parents due to concerns about possible moral implications of the vaccine and safety concerns. On February 22, 2007, a group of families sued in an attempt to block Perry's executive order.[48] Perry's order has also been criticized for the price of the vaccine: approximately $360 in Texas.[45]
Perry’s Former Chief Of Staff Served As A Lobbyist For Merck During The Time Perry Issued His Order:
Former Perry Chief of Staff Mike Toomey Was A Lobbyist For Merck When Perry Issued The Order Mandating Gardasil For Sixth-Grade Girls.“Mr. Toomey was a lobbyist for Merck when Mr. Perry issued a 2007 executive order requiring all sixth-grade girls in Texas to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer. At the time, the only approved vaccine was Gardasil, made by Merck.” Ross Ramsey, “Perry’s Legion: The Folks Behind The Man,” Texas Tribune, 7/31/11
“[Toomey] Now Has, Some Think, Unusual Sway With Perry.” “Lobbyist Under Scrutiny For Friendship With Perry,” The Associated Press, 8/27/01
The Associated Press: “[Merck] Could Generate Billions In Sales If Gardasil - At $360 For The Three-Shot Regimen -- Were Made Mandatory Across The Country.” “Rick Perry’s Ties With Merck Run Deep,” The Associated Press, 2/2/07
Toomey Has Been Credited With Influencing Perry’s Decisions On A Number Of Issues. “These days, Toomey is being credited with everything from influencing which bills Perry vetoed to being at the center of the Republican attempt to take over control of the Texas House. Some say he’s tried to get rival lobbyists fired because of Democratic or trial lawyer connections.” “Lobbyist Under Scrutiny For Friendship With Perry,” The Associated Press, 8/27/01
It seems Perry used the corporate/public buddy system.
“Texas Gov. Rick Perry's chief of staff met with key aides about the human papillomavirus vaccine the same day its manufacturer donated money to his campaign, documents obtained by The Associated Press show.
“Chief of staff Deirdre Delisi's calendar shows she met with the governor's budget director and three members of his office for an "HPV Vaccine for Children Briefing…”
“That same day, New Jersey-based Merck & Co.'s political action committee donated $5,000 to Perry and $5,000 total to eight state lawmakers.
“Perry's office began meeting with Merck lobbyists about the vaccine as early as mid-August...” (AP Link)
“Mike Toomey, Perry's former chief of staff and Delisi's predecessor, lobbies for the drug company. And the governor accepted a total of $6,000 from Merck during his re-election campaign, including $1,000 in December 2005.” (Associated Press, February 11, 2009)
Toomey has had a long relationship with Perry.
Toomey will earn between $500,000 and $1.1 million this year for his lobbying services, according to state records. And he may well be worth it as one of Perry's best friends. (Associated Press, August 27, 2001)
Bob Schuman is also a friend of Toomey and Perry.
“Another committee, Americans for Rick Perry, is run by California political consultant Bob Schuman, a former campaign consultant for former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas), Perry's political mentor. Schuman’s consulting firm has also represented the pharmaceutical company Merck, which was represented in Texas by Toomey.
“Schuman's effort has so far been underwritten by a large contribution from Texas billionaire Harold Simmons, a major Perry donor who has used his political clout to gain support from Perry’s administration to bury nuclear waste in western Texas. (Blumenthal and Cherkis, Huffington Post, August 13, 2011)
The plot thickens. There’s a mother-in-law in on it.
“The controversy over Perry's decision deepened as it came to light that his former chief of staff was a lobbyist for Merck and that his chief of staff's mother-in-law, Rep. Dianne White Delisi, was the state director of an advocacy group bankrolled by Merck to push legislatures across the country to put forward bills mandating the Gardasil vaccine for preteen girls.” (Tom Bevan, Real Clear Politics, June 4, 2011)
Perry once sold a 9.3-acre tract to computer magnate Michael Dell for nearly four times what he paid for it; influential Texas lobbyist Mike Toomey represented Perry at the sale. The West Austin property sold for $465,000 in 1995 and gave the Dell estate badly needed access to an adjacent municipal sewage district. Perry's wealth fueled by land deals, investment
Among other deals:
Perry once sold a 9.3-acre tract to computer magnate Michael Dell for nearly four times what he paid for it, using influential Texas lobbyist Mike Toomey as the broker. The West Austin property sold for $465,000 in 1995 and gave the Dell estate badly needed access to an adjacent municipal sewage district. Lubbock Online: Gov. Rick Perry's wealth fueled by buying and selling Texas land
According to Delisi's calendar, she met with Toomey three times in the six months before the order was issued. CBS News: Texas Vaccine Meeting, Donation Coincide
Perry was interviewed and apparently unaware of the connections.
“No, he’s not. He’s just another guy. [On Pat Toomey being a powerful lobbyist]
“I had no idea Mike Toomey represents Merck.” (Evan Smith, Texas Monthly, May 2007)
Merck’s Political Action Committee Doanted $5,000 To Perry On The Same Day That High-Level Perry Aides Met To Discuss The Vaccine Plan:
In 2006, Merck Contributed $5,000 To Perry’s Campaign On The Same Day Perry’s Chief Of Staff “Met With Key Aides” To Discuss The HPV Vaccine. “Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff met with key aides about the human papillomavirus vaccine the same day its manufacturer donated money to his campaign, documents obtained by The Associated Press show. Chief of staff Deirdre Delisi’s calendar shows she met with the governor’s budget director and three members of his office for an ‘HPV Vaccine for Children Briefing’ on Oct. 16. That day, New Jersey-based Merck & Co.’s political action committee donated $5,000 to Perry and $5,000 total to eight state lawmakers.” Liz Austin Peterson, “Perry Staff Discussed Vaccine On Day Of Merck Donation,” The Associated Press, 2/22/07
“Perry … Received $6,000 From Merck’s Political Action Committee During His Re-Election Campaign.” “Rick Perry’s Ties With Merck Run Deep,” The Associated Press, 2/2/07
Internal Documents From Perry’s Office Describe The Executive Order As A “Mandate” And Noted The Vaccination Was “Mandatory”:
Office of Governor Perry: “PRIORITY: Mandate The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine As A School Entry Requirement For 11-Year Old Females.” Office Of Governor Rick Perry, “HPV Vaccine And The EO,” Backgrounder, Undated, p. 4.
Office of Governor Perry: The HPV Vaccine “Is Estimated To Cost The State $50 Million In The First Year Of Mandatory Vaccination.”“Administering the vaccine to young women eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children program is estimated to cost the state $50 million in the first year of mandatory vaccination -- however this is not a repeating cost because once vaccinated, there isn’t a need to repeat the vaccination.” Office Of Governor Rick Perry, “HPV Vaccine And The EO,” Backgrounder, Undated, p. 3.
Perry’s Senior Staffers Repeatedly Described The Order As A “Mandate” In Emails:
Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Described The HPV Executive Order As “The Mandate.” LEBLANC: “You mentioned there is [sic] divisions among the physicians about the HPV vaccine. Do you know of a Dr. that would publicly defend the mandate?” Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Office Of The Governor, Email To Nora Cox Belcher, 2/7/07
In Another Email, LeBlanc Referred To The “Mandatory Vaccine.” LEBLANC: “The Dr.’s are just trying [to] not get strapped with more expenditures. The AAP [American Academy of Pediatrics] has 5 concerns with regard to a mandatory vaccine: … 4. Not sure if there are adequate stocks of vaccine. Merck assures us there are plenty. … It doesn’t seem like a very strong stance against what we are doing.” Brandon LeBlanc, Community Affairs Public Liaison, Office Of The Governor, Email To Nora Cox Belcher, 2/6/07
In September 2006, Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Wrote: “The Governor’s Office Is Trying To Determine The ‘Impact’ Of Mandating Vaccine Coverage.” BELL: “John, I spoke with Heidi and I understand what she is looking for. The Governor’s office is trying to determine the ‘impact’ of mandating vaccine coverage to eligible populations in Medicaid.” Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Health And Human Services Commission, Email To John Hellerstedt, Subject: “RE HPV Vaccine Coverage In Medicais,” 9/08/06
Bell Provided Perry Aides With Cost Estimates For “Mandating 11-12 Year Old Entering 6th Grade To Have The Vaccine.” BELL: “Nora/Jessica: Attached are the revised cost estimates for HPV vaccine. These estimates take into account: 1. Increased caseloads in 2008 and 2009. 2. Mandating 11-12 year olds entering 6th grade to have the vaccine (without mandating any other age groups).” Dr. Charles Bell, Deputy Executive Commissioner For Health Services, Health And Human Services Commission, Email To Nora Cox Belcher and Jessica Olson, Subject: “Cost Estimates For HPV (Includes Mandate),” 2/6/07
Health And Human Services Commission Memo: “Assumptions: 1. The mandate will only apply to 11 or 12 year olds entering the 6th Grade and thus the uptake for this group would be close to 95%. However, the uptake for the other age groups (9-10) and (12-20) would be at 25%.” Health And Human Services Commission, Texas Department Of State Health Services, “HPV Vaccine Costs,” Memo, 2/6/07
After Lawmakers Voted Down His HPV Order, Perry Held A New Conference With Cancer Victims And Tore Into Legislators, Accusing Them Of Sacrificing Lives For Political Reasons: (View Personal Quotes for what he said)
Austin American Statesman: “Perry Laid Blame For Future Cervical Cancer Deaths At The Feet Of Lawmakers Who Supported The Bill.” “In an emotional speech to reporters Tuesday, during which the governor surrounded himself with women whose lives have been affected by the cancer-causing injection, Perry laid blame for future cervical cancer deaths at the feet of lawmakers who supported the bill. … Perry thanked the minority of legislators who voted against the bill and said, ‘No lost lives will occupy the confines of their conscience, sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” Corrie Maclaggan, “Perry Bows To Vaccine Order’s Foes,” Austin American Statesman, 5/9/07
“A Defiant Gov. Rick Perry Accused Legislators Tuesday Of Sacrificing Women’s Lives To Score Political Points...” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate,” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
Perry’s Own Lieutenant Governor “Chided” Perry For His Remarks, Saying He Was “Disappointed With The Governor’s Comments.” “Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst chided the governor for his frustration with the Legislature. ‘I was a little disappointed with the governor’s comments today,’ said Mr. Dewhurst, who said he believes lawmakers were right on this issue. … ‘The majority of Texans and the majority of the Legislature want to leave that decision to parents. All the governor had to do was talk to us and we would have seen that we have embraced a program where there is an opt-in instead of an opt-out.’ Mr. Dewhurst said.” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate.” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton): “Just Because You Don’t Want To Offer Up 165,000 11-Year-Old Girls To Be Merck’s Study Group Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Care About Women’s Health.” BONNEN: “I think it’s offensive that the governor wants to use cancer victims as his backdrop for an issue that he has grossly mismanaged. … The governor has missed the point that just because you don’t want to offer up 165,000 11-year-old girls to be Merck’s study group doesn’t mean that you don’t care about women’s health, it doesn’t mean that you don’t care about young girls and more importantly, doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t be making the decisions about their medical choices.” Christy Hoppe, “Legislature Defeats HPV Mandate,” The Dallas Morning News, 5/9/07
New York Times: Tracking the Flow of Money
The administration of Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, a Republican presidential candidate, has doled out millions of dollars in grants that benefit some of his most generous donors. State money awarded to G-Con, a pharmaceutical start-up, provides an example of how state grants appear to be paying dividends for some major Perry contributors.
