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Palin Strikes Back Over Costly Ethics Complaints

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2009 3:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – 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."

A fan (not shown) asks Sarah Palin to sign a baseball before the New York Yankees faced the Tampa Bay Rays in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, June 7, 2009.
A fan (not shown) asks Sarah Palin to sign a baseball before the New York Yankees faced the Tampa Bay Rays in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, June 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin waves as she arrives at a Republican congressional fundraiser, Monday, June 8, 2009, in Washington.
Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin waves as she arrives at a Republican congressional fundraiser, Monday, June 8, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Sarah Palin speaks during a rally at Dover High School October 15, 2008 in Dover, New Hampshire.
Sarah Palin speaks during a rally at Dover High School October 15, 2008 in Dover, New Hampshire.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
nick
Jun 22, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
"Among the dismissed complaints thus far: abusing state funds to pay for her children's trips—but she still has to repay the state $10,000." If she had to pay $10,000, why was this listed as a frivolous complaint that was dismissed? ? She cheated the State, got caught, and had to pay? How about classifying it this way: GUILTY AS CHARGED, and add a $2500 fine for submitting a fraudulent travel voucher. Preferential treatment, anyone?
DeniseVB
Jun 22, 2009 12:43 PM CDT
oooooh, I smell fear here :) Funny that the AP doesn't mention deranged Obots behind all these nusisance suits. Not that any are posting here, mind you.
AdaptAndOvercome
Jun 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT
Well, she wanted America to get to know her! She should have made sure there were no skeletons in her closet before she opened her big mouth.
 

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