I am of the school of thought that says, “In the Presidential race, Rick Perry is dead.  He just won’t lay down.”  Many people who I respect keep telling me that Rick will bounce back.  I hope they are right because I am certifiably enjoying seeing the national media look into his background when the Texas media wouldn’t.

For example, his love of corporate airplanes.  Rick has taken 200 flights worth a total of $1.3 million from corporate executives and wealthy donors during 11 years as governor.  For free.

Now comes the fun part.  His explanation.  One of his spokesmen said –

When the governor’s staff asks to use a private plane, no promises are made and no consideration is given to whether the owner has an interest in the trip, he said. “Over the years we’ve developed a good feel for supporters and other Texans who own private aircraft that we could ask to use,” Mr. Sullivan said. “The governor bases all of his decisions on his philosophy and on what he believes is best for the citizens of the state.”

And, it is just pure coincidence that every time he uses a corporate or private jet, Perry ends up supporting their pet project.  Pure coincidence.  No cahoooting involved.  Not even one tiny little inconsequential cahoot.

And then the speed of this spin make most people on the ride hang their head over the side and throw up —

Ray Sullivan, a spokesman for Mr. Perry, defended the governor’s use of private planes, saying it was part of an effort to save tax dollars. Mr. Sullivan acknowledged “there are critiques to be made” about using state-owned versus private planes, but said “we chose to err on the side of protecting taxpayers.”

Bless Ray’s heart, he truly thinks we believe that Perry’s deals for his rich friends don’t cost the taxpayers of this state more money than an airplane ticket.  Ray has big dreams of making it in the world of reality one day.

Thanks to Stephen for the heads-up.