Is Tx. Gov. Rick Perry's government a revolving door for energy industries?

[Dover]

There are more leads to follow up on with this story, but just preliminarily, the recent departure of the Tx. Sec. of State, Phil Wilson, after just one year to work for a Texas energy company that just went from public to private status (TXU) last year (coincidentally also when Wilson began as Sec. of State), is very suspicious. Does anyone have any other info to add to this, or thoughts? And isn't it odd that Perry has had no less than FIVE Secretaries of State since taking office?
Word is Perry plans to run for gov. again this year.

Anyway, here's the info I've found:

Samuel Philip "Phil" Wilson (born 1967) is the current Texas Secretary of State, with duties primarily as the state's chief elections officer. He was appointed to the position effective July 1, 2007, by Republican Governor Rick Perry. Wilson is the 106th person to hold the position and the fifth individual to have served since Perry assumed the governorship in December 2000. He succeeds John Roger Williams of Weatherford, who resigned to "pursue other opportunities". Wilson was previously Perry's deputy chief of staff. Perry swore Wilson into his new position.

(Wilson also worked for a long time as aid to Phil Gramm).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Wilson_(Texas_politician)


This month Gov. Perry and 'others' took a business-related trip to Stockholm Sweden, France, etc.

...Perry, along with Secretary of State Phil Wilson in Sweden, expects to visit Craig Roberts Stapleton, the U.S. ambassador to France, and Michael Wood, the U.S. ambassador to Sweden.

TexasOne, created on Perry's watch, will fund most of the trip, Castle said. It's a nonprofit organization that markets Texas supported by private contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/06/03/0603perry.html



Shortly upon returning from this trip and after serving only one year as Sec. of State, Wilson announces leaving his position to join Luminant as Senior VP of Public Affairs.



Gov. Rick Perry appointed Wilson secretary of state last year and he was sworn in July 1, 2007. In his role, Wilson serves as the chief elections officer for the state, as well as chief of international protocol. He maintains business and public filings and acts as the governor's chief liaison on border and Mexico affairs.

"I have been honored to serve in this role for the people of Texas and am proud of the accomplishments we achieved during our time in office -- overseeing the largest primary in Texas history, being part of bringing thousands of new jobs to Texas, and investing in our states future employers and technologies," Wilson said in a statement.

Wilson has served as chairman of the Governor's Competitiveness Council and on the Border Security Council. He also led the state's efforts in economic development by serving as the governor's designee on the Texas Enterprise Fund and Emerging Technology Fund.

Earlier this week, Wilson joined San Antonio leaders in announcing KLN Steel Products' planned manufacturing expansion in the city. The state's is contributing $900,000 through the Texas Enterprise Fund to assist with expansion efforts. KLN could create an additional 500 jobs in San Antonio.

In Wilson's new role, he will oversee the company's community relations, communications, regulatory and government affairs efforts. Luminant is the power generation unit of Energy Future Holdings Corp(formerly TXU).

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/local-news/sanantonio/2008/06/13/texas-secretary-of-state-phil-wilson-is-leaving-his-post-for-the-private-sector



Goes to work for Luminant on July 7, 2008 -



Texas Utilities goes from public to private -

TXU buyout completed: Company now called Energy Future Holdings Corp. (2007)

The final provisions in a private equity buyout of TXU Power, by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), Texas Pacific Group (TPG) and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners were met, allowing the $32 billion deal to be completed.

The Luminant Energy/TXU website has a detailed press release on the finalized sale. (see below)

http://www.clean-coal.info/drupal/TXU_buyout_finalized

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Corruption in TX? Surely you jest.

In any case, I'm sure her noble businessmen would never be involved in such chicanery.

[madrchsod]

2. does the sun set in the west?

[Dover]

3. Wow...great post that ties in many more pieces to this puzzle.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3479342

And about Goldman Sachs

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x156027