Rick Perry: To Deter Grousing, State Won't Pay Lawyers

Indicted Texas Gov. Rick Perry says he believes taxpayers should have picked up his legal tab but opted to use campaign funds "to keep from having folks grouse about it."

The possible 2016 Republican presidential candidate told reporters Tuesday 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. At least $80,000 in taxpayer dollars have been spent on his defense so far.

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.