By KRWG News
Texas – A report says a campaign donor who has given $80,000 to Gov. Rick Perry since 2000 circumvented the usual vetting process but still received a $4.5 million award from a Texas technology fund.
Convergen Lifesciences Inc., founded by Perry contributor David G. Nance, won the award in August despite not receiving the endorsement of a regional screening board that filters out applicants. Nance's company appealed directly to a state board made up of Perry appointees.
The Dallas Morning News first reported the story Wednesday.
A Perry spokeswoman says the Texas Emerging Technology Fund money was properly awarded because applicants can appeal if rejected by the regional board. But the law does not mention such appeals, and board members couldn't recall it happening.
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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.