Republican Governors Association Ordered To Pay Former Texas Democratic Candidate Two Million Dollars

Travis County Judge John Dietz has issued a rare order to the Republican Governors Association to pay Chris Bell, the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial candidate, $2 million because of flagrant campaign contribution violations to support Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Dietz found that the RGA failed to disclose its $1 million donation to Texans for Rick Perry, including a $500,000 check from Houston builder Bob Perry during the election. Perry settled with Bell for $426,000 last year.

The RGA has promised to appeal and insists that it followed an accepted interpretation of the rules.