As reported by the Washington Post earlier this week, real-estate executive and UT Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell is really pumped up about Gov. Perry running for president. Powell, who has given nearly $114,000 to Perry over the years, is now actively raising money from others for Perry’s presidential campaign.

In an attempt to sort out the legality of the Powell’s actions, the Texas Tribune posted this analysis earlier today. They concluded that:

Regents are often people with the resources and influence to make a significant impact on a political campaign — and in their private lives, they are free to do just that.

While Powell’s actions are legal, I think the Tribune’s analysis can lead to a confusion of two different types of political action. Making political contributions is a personal decision about the use of one’s own money. While it is public record, contributions are hardly ever reviewed by anyone other than journalists and other watchdog organizations, making it a less active form of political support.

However, soliciting donations is a much more proactive step. By publicly reaching out to prospective donors, Powell has essentially become a de facto Perry campaign staffer. Who knows? Maybe Perry will pay him for his services.

Perhaps most importantly, Powell compromised the integrity of his position by his actions. Clearly, Powell used his stature and exploited his relationships, which may or may not have been the product of his role as a regent, for Perry’s exclusive benefit.

Also, this is different from one elected official fundraising for another elected official, as often happens. Money may buy power in politics, but when two elected officials are involved, at least there is a chance their elections reflect public opinion. For Powell, who was appointed by Perry, there’s no chance of that happening.

To be clear, I think both types of political action should not be allowed. Appointments to Texas’ boards and commissions should be based on expertise and dedication, not the level of “trust” (i.e. campaign donations) you share with the governor. Given the power they have over the allocation of incredible amounts of public funds, UT regents should be held to a higher standard of political impartiality than a “private citizen”.

Furthermore, while Powell busies himself with fundraising for the governor, I can’t help but think about what UT could gain if he was as dedicated to raising money for the University as he is for Perry. Considering the soured relationship between Powell and many UT boosters over the Rick O’Donnell mess, there’s certainly a lot of work he can do to reassure potential donors about the wisdom of investing in the University.