Now I’m not saying that Rick Perry is a sleazy politician who would do something really slick to get what he wants …. oh hell, that”s exactly what I’m saying.

Here’s the deal.  September 17, 2004:

Gov. Rick Perry today announced the appointment of Dan Shelley, a former state representative and state senator from Houston, as the new legislative director on his staff.

“Dan Shelley will be a strong addition to my administration,” Perry said. “His eight years in the Texas Legislature and the relationships he has developed with legislators over the years will be valuable during the 2005 legislative session.”

Shelley, an attorney who most recently has worked as a government consultant and lobbyist, previously served as legislative director for former Gov. George W. Bush.

July 14, 2011.  Veterans for Rick Perry is formed.  The treasurer?  Bernadette Shelley, the wife of Dan Shelley.  Cripes!  That’s got more Astroturf than any football field in America.

Everybody who believes that this new Super PAC will be operated completely independently from the nascent Rick Perry presidential campaign please raise your hand.

Yeah, I didn’t think so.

By the way, Perry’s non-campaign started running ads in Iowa today.

Thanks to Alfredo over at the Dairy Queen for the heads-up.