Homebuilder Bob Perry nation's biggest political donor
Houston homebuilder Bob Perry was the largest political donor in Texas _ and the nation _ in the recent election cycle, according to a group that tracks campaign donations. Perry spent $6.7 million in statewide and legislative campaigns and $9.3 million on national candidates and committees seeking to elect Republicans to Congress, Texans for Public Justice said in its report. The group supports campaign finance restrictions. The spending produced mixed results: Perry's money backed more losers than winners in state legislative races and nationwide, but the group of Texas statewide candidates he supported won. See more related news on Bob Perry and his money.

Homebuilder Bob Perry nation's biggest political donor
AUSTIN -- Houston homebuilder Bob Perry was the largest political donor in Texas _ and the nation _ in the recent election cycle, according to a group that tracks campaign donations.

Perry spent $6.7 million in statewide and legislative campaigns and $9.3 million on national candidates and committees seeking to elect Republicans to Congress, Texans for Public Justice said in its report. The group supports campaign finance restrictions.

The spending produced mixed results: Perry's money backed more losers than winners in state legislative races and nationwide, but the group of Texas statewide candidates he supported won.

"It's shocking," said Andrew Wheat of Texans for Public Justice. "Bob Perry is an ATM."

Anthony Holm, spokesman for Perry, dismissed suggestions by Texans for Public Justice that Perry was trying to buy Republicans into office.

"Bob Perry is acting in the open and in a transparent environment, unlike TPJ," Holm said.

Texans for Public Justice is not required by law to disclose who finances its research. Holm suggested the group is beholden to Democratic-leaning interests.

According to the study, Republicans got 92 percent of the money Perry contributed directly to candidates in Texas elections this year. Gov. Rick Perry, no relation, was the biggest beneficiary, with $380,000, followed by $320,000 to Attorney General Greg Abbott and $285,265 to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

He gave more than $1 million collectively to his top GOP legislative candidates, but only two of them won _ Senate contender Dan Patrick and House candidate Jim Murphy, both of Houston.

He gave more than $200,000 to Democratic state House candidates, most of whom faced little or no opposition. All won. Holm said the home builder gives to Republicans and "pro-business, pro-jobs" Democrats.

Texas has no limits on the size of campaign contributions to candidates in state races.

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