Palin Strikes Back Over Costly Ethics Complaints

Sarah Palin says she's drowning in a rising tide of frivolous ethics complaints, the AP reports. Most of the 18 complaints have been dismissed, but Palin's office says she's $500,000 in legal debt and facing accusations that "have been politically or personally motivated." Rallying to her side, supporters have raised $109,000 in a week-long Webathon to bankroll her legal defenses.

Among the dismissed complaints thus far: violating federal law by wearing a $150,000 GOP wardrobe, promoting a sponsor of her hubby's snowmobile team, and abusing state funds to pay for her children's trips—but she still has to repay the state $10,000. A few complaints are still pending. "She said she was going to be open, transparent and wanted people to hold her accountable," said one Alaskan who filed a complaint. "I took her for her word." (More Sarah Palin stories.)