FILTHY: Perry Living High on the (Donors') Hog!

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.