Colbert's Treasurer Ditches Him, Joins Perry Campaign

Stephen Colbert's super PAC has lost its treasurer ... to Rick Perry. Salvatore Purpura resigned Thursday from Colbert's Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, he tells Politico. On Monday, Perry filed his Federal Election Commission paperwork, and guess who was listed as treasurer? That's right, Salvatore Purpura, who has previously served as treasurer of campaigns for George W. Bush and John McCain. Due to a paperwork lag, Purpura is still listed as treasurer for both organizations, but Shauna Polk has actually taken over as treasurer for Colbert's super PAC.

“Obviously, there was a potential conflict of interest,” Purpura says. “I told [Colbert lawyer] Trevor [Potter] on Thursday I would not be able to be treasurer anymore.” In an email to Politico, Colbert wrote, “We’re happy for Sal and we are even happier that Governor Parry has sent the clear signal of which super PAC he trusts to receive all that unlimited money waiting to pour in on his behalf. Loud and clear, sir. Unofficially, loud and clear.” (Colbert campaigned for "Rick Parry" for president last week; watch the clip at left.)