RNC dropped $150K shopping for Palin, family

Wed, October 22, 2008 - 9:47 AM

People are talking today about Sarah Palin's fashion makeover. Politico's Jeanne Cummings has story today about the Republican National Committee's decision to spiff up Sarah Palin and her family for their close-ups.

Here's a bit of Cummings' report:

"The Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family since her surprise pick by John McCain in late August.

"According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74.

"The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September.

"The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in August."

A spokesman for the McCain campaign first declined to comment specifically on the shopping spree, saying there were more important things to discuss. Later, the campaign issued a statement.

"`With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign.'"

So does that mean Palin gets a tax write-off too?

-- Marsha Mercer