Rick Perry Hires Ex-Clinton Lawyer Mark Fabiani To Fight Charges

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks to the media after meeting with business owners Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at a barbecue restaurant in New York. Perry, a Republican, made the trip to try to convince companies to move t... Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks to the media after meeting with business owners Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at a barbecue restaurant in New York. Perry, a Republican, made the trip to try to convince companies to move their operations to Texas, where he says the business climate is friendlier. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) MORE LESS
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Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) has hired Mark Fabiani, a former lawyer for President Bill Clinton, to help fight criminal charges against him.

“I’m proud to join Gov. Perry’s outstanding team which has been assembled to fight back against this attack on the rule of law,” Fabiani said in a statement, first reported on Monday by Politico’s Mike Allen.

Fabiani is an interesting addition for Perry. He was special counsel and legal spokesman in the Clinton White House from 1994 to 1996, defending the ex-president against Republican investigations over Whitewater and campaign finance. He later served as a top spokesman for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, playing a key role during the recount. More recently Fabiani worked for Lance Armstrong while the cyclist was facing allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Perry has snagged other big names for his legal team, a sign that the rumored 2016 presidential hopeful is taking the indictment very seriously. Last week he hired Ben Ginsberg, a former lawyer to George W. Bush who was also an important figure during the 2000 recount.

The governor insists he’s innocent and has called the allegations — which stem from his use of veto power — a “farce.” On Monday his legal team asked a judge to dismiss the charges.

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Notable Replies

  1. Once again, a down home Republican turns to “one of them thar 'Leetist Northeast Establishment” types when indicted.

  2. Hiring Ben Ginsberg is a BFD too. I didn’t know that.

  3. I remember one time when the Supreme Court had slapped Texas down over an unconstitutional law. When asked by the press about the ruling, pRick replied “Well, we need to have our Texas lawyers look it over.” Interesting that pRick isn’t turning to Texas lawyers now.

  4. Yeah, this here is the Governor, Hey what’s the name of that smart Jew lawyer that got that filthy semen hydrant Clinton off a couple of years ago? What?..Oh he’s not. Well, could you get me his phone number anyway?

  5. Avatar for jw1 jw1 says:

    So, Gov Doorknob?
    If this is a farce-- why the .50cal lawyers?

    Shouldn’t you just be able to hand over a Powerpoint presentation with a title slide that explains:

    "Why The Drunk DA Hadta’ Go?'

    You’d be off scot-free in 20 minutes-- no?
    And headin’ for an ice cream cone!

    I really despise my governor.

    jw1

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