The Associated Press just moved a story that Perry's chief of staff met with other top aides to discuss the vaccine on Oct. 16 -- the same day that Merck made a $5,000 contribution to Perry's re-election campaign and a total of $5,000 in contributions to the campaigns of eight state legislators. Perry's spokesman describes the timing of the meeting and the donations as unrelated and merely a coincidence. The story also notes, as Danny G. did, that Perry's former chief of staff is now a Merck lobbyist.

Sheldon -- the vaccination requirement came in an executive order (no legislation was necessary). The state legislature is now considering overriding that executive order.

-- Leslie

Leslie

April 2006: Husband dx by dentist with leukoplakia on tongue. Oral surgeon's biopsy 4/28/06: Moderate dysplasia; pathology report warned of possible "skip effect." ENT's excisional biopsy (got it all) 5/31/06: SCC in situ/small bit superficially invasive. Early detection saves lives.