Perry: ‘Folks grouse’ so state won’t pay legal tab

MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — Indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry says campaign funds, not taxpayers, will pick up his legal tab to deter complaints.

The possible 2016 Republican presidential candidate told reporters today in Midland that he had considered it appropriate for state funds to pay his legal fees because a criminal investigation dealt with his official duties as governor.

Perry has pleaded not guilty to two felony charges of abuse of power.

Following questions over who would pay for a new team of high-powered attorneys, Perry announced last week that campaign funds would start footing the bill.

Perry said “to keep having folks grouse about it, we’ll pick up the cost as we go forward.”