Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

GOP Foots $150K Bill for Palin Clothing, Makeup

RNC defends $150k clothes, makeup budget for Palins

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2008 9:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin apparently isn't kidding when she stresses the importance of lipstick to a hockey mom: the RNC spent $5000 on hair and makeup en route to racking up a $150,000 bill for clothing and accessories for Palin and her family since John McCain picked her as his runningmate. The $75,000 dropped at Neiman Marcus, among other spending sprees, have raised legal issues, but the RNC defends its expenditures, Politico reports.

A spokeswoman chided the media for their focus on sartorial spending, adding that "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign." The charges from Saks, Barney's, and high-end baby stores in September are the first such expenditures to appear on the RNC's financial report. A review of similar records Obama campaign turned up no similar spending.

Does Piper Palin, 7, know that the RNC plans to donate all her new campaign clothes to charity next month?
Does Piper Palin, 7, know that the RNC plans to donate all her new campaign clothes to charity next month?   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin enters a rally with her infant son, Trig. The RNC's clothing bill includes spending at high-end baby stores.
Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin enters a rally with her infant son, Trig. The RNC's clothing bill includes spending at high-end baby stores.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shrugs during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shrugs during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Who is Sarah Palin wearing? From RNC spending records, it could be Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, or Bloomingdales.
Who is Sarah Palin wearing? From RNC spending records, it could be Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, or Bloomingdales.   (AP Photo/Scott Sady)
Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin talks in a spiffy red jacket before a crowd at a baseball field in Grand Junction, Colo., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin talks in a spiffy red jacket before a crowd at a baseball field in Grand Junction, Colo., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Full Game Change Trailer Debuts

Game Change Trailer Stars Terrifying Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin Stumps for McCain

Palin Will Visit Arizona to Stump for McCain

Game Change Gossipy But Insightful


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne