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Palin Shopping Spree OK: Feds

Commission nixes complaint that RNC's $150K in clothing purchases broke law

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted May 19, 2009 3:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Federal Election Commission dismissed today a complaint that the Republican National Committee broke the law when it bought $150,000 in clothes for then-vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The FEC said purchases were “coordinated party expenditures” for campaign purposes, and did not violate a ban on using campaign funds for personal expenses as a watchdog group alleged.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, acknowledges the crowd during an election-night rally in Phoenix. (AP Photo)

In this Feb. 11, 2009, file photo, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin listens to a question during a news conference, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo)

In this Nov. 4, 2008 file photo, Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin smiles as she talks to reporters after she voted at Wasilla City Hall in Wasilla, Alaska. (AP Photo)

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This means that the FEC will allow political parties to buy candidates whatever they want at whatever cost, and that the candidates and their families may keep these purchases. - Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

ABO_2012

May 20, 2009 6:46 AM CDT

Reader71793355...Do you really believe that Chairman Barry's wife bought her shoes with her own money? Even if she did, you would think that the god's wife would be more sensitive about who she was going to pretend to serve for an hour for the photo op. Palin's clothes were purchased with donated money, so how is that any of your concern? Also, learn how to post so your stupid comments don't appear twice.

Forderon

May 20, 2009 5:22 AM CDT

I know my timeline very well. According to economists, the recession started some time in December 2007. There were even $150B in stimulus checks mailed out that spring. You mean to tell me the Republicans didn't know about this?

Mad

May 20, 2009 4:07 AM CDT

The great mistake in all this is that if the RNC had outfited Palin with Walmart brand clothes, her lie of being the 'everyday mom' candidate would be cinched! Saved $100,000 and huge PR boost. You fools blew that one too

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Palin Shopping Spree OK: Feds