April 22, 2004, 11:59PM
Panel probing Perry's `working retreat' trip to Bahamas
By CLAY ROBISON
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN -- Gov. Rick Perry's weekend trip to the Bahamas with select advisers and contributors -- which provoked political controversy -- also is being investigated for possible violations of state ethics laws, the governor's office confirmed Thursday.
The Texas Ethics Commission is trying to determine if Perry illegally used political donations to pay for trip expenses for himself; his wife, Anita; and three staffers. It is illegal for an officeholder to convert political contributions to personal use.
Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said the expenditures were proper because the governor, staffers and guests used the trip over the Presidents Day weekend in February to discuss educational issues in preparation for the special legislative session.
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The complaint against Perry, alleging possible conversion of campaign funds to personal use, was filed Feb. 26 by
Judicial Watch, a government watchdog group, but it came to light only this week.
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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2524697