Palin's Lavish Shopping Spree Costs GOP $150,000

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/palin-clothes-spending-ha_n_136740.html

Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

That entertaining scoop -- which came by way of Politico -- sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article bemoaned the triviality of the whole affair.

"With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility. For starters, the story has the potential to dampen enthusiasm among GOP activists and donors at a critical point in the presidential race. It also creates a huge PR headache for the McCain ticket as it seeks to make inroads among voters worried about the current economic crisis.

Mainly, however, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin has spent. Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue (where RNC expenditures totaled nearly $50,000) and Neiman Marcus (where the governor had a $75,000 spree).

Beyond the political tit-for-tat, however, the revelation of the clothing expenditures offers what some Democrats see as a chance not just to win several news cycles during the campaign's waning days but to severely damage Palin's image as a small-town, 'Joe Six-Pack' American.

"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist told the Huffington Post, when asked how the party would or could use the issue. "It can help deflate her cultural populism with the Republican base. The Plumber's wife doesn't go to Nieman's or Saks."

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[wallytheplumber]

Rachel Maddow has a face for radio!!! Palin isn't rich like the Obama's or Joe Biden. Stylists have all said it was the right thing to do. If they didn't spruce her up. You people would be ripping on her for not having nicer clothes. All you Palin haters need to get a life and stop complaining. I know you are afraid of her but try another sport. The clothes will be donated to charity after the election. Let me say it again. Rachel Maddow sure has a "Face for Radio".

[ThePatriotsMaxims]

Palin is worth 1.2 million. Obama is worth 975,000.

You may want to fact check before you post garbage. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is a good start.

I can send you an email with instruction on how to use a search engine.

[wallytheplumber]

I just wanna know if I give you the "screaming thigh sweats". Plumber's are in high demand you know.

[ThePatriotsMaxims]

I hear you are in high demand at the local men's prison.

[YaldiBaby]

.......At least she can spell Dyke?

[Drake3209]

@prowlie Obama's one term presidency = EPIC FAILURE! Say it "President Palin" sounds nice doesn't it? Obama the worst president in U.S. history worse than Carter. Nov 2nd is only the begining!

[RadarGuidedVermin]

That's nothing. Incompetent Obama's reckless spending cost the nation $5 trillion, and with NOTHING to show for it.

[TheKaos007]

The guy does not have a clue what he is talking about.....

[prowlie]

@Drake3209 Bush's selling away the country to the highest bidder = priceless

[JRooster101]

@prowlie

I suggest you research who gave what to whom. BP is in the Obama bag, not the GOP.

[Drake3209]

Sarah Palin's shopping spree = zero tax dollars

Michelle Obama's Spain vacation = half a million tax dollars!

[prowlie]

BP's 'donations' to the GOP covered the cost easily

[YamahaPhyscho]

yea atleast palin can look good in nice clothing unlike you who prefer baggy holed jeans 2 accompany your man haircut.

[67sford]

Is there a Saks or Neimans in Wasilla...LOL

[FreeAgain2]

Palin is America.