State records show Governor Perry spends $1M in defense against felony charges

AUSTIN, Texas - State records show Gov. Rick Perry so far has spent more than $1 million on lawyers defending him against a felony indictment alleging he abused his power.

The San Antonio Express-News reports the records were released Thursday and show nearly 40 percent of Perry's fees went to the law firm of well-known Houston attorney Tony Buzbee.

Perry had initially used taxpayer money to cover expenses of at least $80,000. He later announced he would use his campaign account to pay the tab.

A grand jury indicted Perry in August on charges he abused his official capacity and coerced a public servant, stemming from his public threat and eventual decision to veto state funding for public corruption prosecutors.

Perry, a Republican, leaves office next week after 14 years as governor.

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