LAST TICKET: Perry raised $30k from Merck; Palin raises cash off 2012 decision

The Ticket

Here are the stories we took note of today but didn't give the full blog treatment:

• Rick Perry has deeper ties to the maker of the controversial HPV vaccine than he suggested. (Texas Tribune)

• Sarah Palin's PAC is raising cash off of her pending 2012 decision. (Conservatives 4 Palin)

• Mitt Romney is gaining in "positive intensity" among GOP voters. (Gallup)

• Lindsey Graham doesn't like Perry's position on Afghanistan. (The Cable)

• Will 2012ers have to spend New Year's Eve campaigning in Iowa? (First Read)

• Diane Feinstein says her former campaign treasurer ripped her off. (Politico)

• The finger-pointing and backstabbing has started among Tim Pawlenty's former campaign aides. (Daily Caller)

• Bobby Jindal doesn't want to be Perry's VP. (Political Ticker)

• The only animated GIF you'll ever need of Newt Gingrich. (Daily Intel)

• Joe Miller thinks Palin will run, just in case you were wondering. (The Corner)