GOP Foots $150K Bill for Palin Clothing, Makeup

Pricey duds threaten to give Palin an image problem

(NEWSER) - The $150,000 pricetag for Sarah Palin's new clothes has transformed the hockey mom into something of an empress, the New York Times reports, and GOP strategists are sweating the change in image. As the campaign enters the homestretch, Palin's unplain threads have become a symbol of excess akin to John McCain's seven homes or John Edwards' $400 haircuts—undermining the appeal to Joe Sixpack she's staked her candidacy on. More»

According to campaign's payroll, $11k per week

(NEWSER) - While no more Saks and Barney's charges have surfaced, records for the first 2 weeks of October indicate that Sarah Palin's makeup artist was the highest paid individual contributor to the McCain campaign effort, pulling in $23,000. Amy Strozzi easily beat out McCain's foreign policy adviser (just $12,500) and senior communications staffer ($12,000), reports the New York Times. More»

Governor's image makeover on GOP dime helps her look the part, at least

(NEWSER) - The outrage over Sarah Palin’s pricey wardrobe doesn’t extend to professional fashionistas, Politico reports—putting money into a candidate’s appearance is a perfectly wise use of funds, they argue. “You are talking about branding a person who you are launching into the public eye,” said one San Francisco stylist. “If you are looking the part, you are halfway there.” More»

(NEWSER) - Todd Palin says the $150,000 spending spree that outfitted his wife during last fall’s campaign was “out of our control,” the AP reports. “You come into a campaign late,” he told Men’s Journal. “You put all your trust into the team.” At least his Secret Service detail had a good time. “They liked cruising around with me,” describing trips to “the Arctic Cat snowmachine factory” and a NASCAR race. “Rough duty, hanging out with me.” More»

Hair and makeup stylist costs revealed in lastest campaign filings

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin's hair and makeup stylists cost John McCain's campaign $110,000 for the 10 weeks she was vice-presidential candidate, reports the New York Times. Palin’s makeup artist—an Emmy nominee for her work on So You Think You Can Dance?—pocketed over $68,000 for the campaign work. Her hair stylist made $42,000. More»