Palin charged Alaska $21,012 to fly her kids around the country

[kaiser soze]

Yeah, so let's talk about socialism because this shit is complete rich bitch welfare and fucking over the public without a morsel of remorse. She is a scam artist, a liar, a thief, and nothing near a christian. If you believe her when she has diarrhea of the mouth about socialism you might want to check her record because it's all projection.

thief

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081021/D93V53SG2.html

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.

The charges included costs for hotel and commercial flights for three daughters to join Palin to watch their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.

In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081021/..._family_travel

The state is already reviewing nearly $17,000 in per diem payments to Palin for more than 300 nights she slept at her own home, 40 miles from her satellite office in Anchorage.

Tony Knowles, a Democratic former governor of Alaska who lost to Palin in a 2006 bid to reclaim the job, said he never charged the state for his three children's commercial flights or claimed their travel as official state business.

Knowles, who was governor from 1994 to 2002, is the only other recent Alaska governor who had school-age children while in office.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008...eled-on-state/

[travesty]

Dude....let it go bro, just let it go. We've been over this before, a few times I think.

Palin sucks....we get it.

[saz]

Palin Clothes Spending Has Dems Salivating, Republicans Disgusted

October 22, 2008 01:30 AM


Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

That entertaining scoop -- which came by way of Politico -- sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article bemoaned the triviality of the whole affair.

"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 spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility. For starters, the story has the potential to dampen enthusiasm among GOP activists and donors at a critical point in the presidential race. It also creates a huge PR headache for the McCain ticket as it seeks to make inroads among voters worried about the current economic crisis.

Mainly, however, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin has spent. Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue (where RNC expenditures totaled nearly $50,000) and Neiman Marcus (where the governor had a $75,000 spree).

Beyond the political tit-for-tat, however, the revelation of the clothing expenditures offers what some Democrats see as a chance not just to win several news cycles during the campaign's waning days but to severely damage Palin's image as a small-town, 'Joe Six-Pack' American.

"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist told the Huffington Post, when asked how the party would or could use the issue. "It can help deflate her cultural populism with the Republican base. The plumber's wife doesn't go to Nieman's or Saks."

Indeed, the story could not come at a more inopportune time for the McCain campaign. During a week in which the Republican ticket is trying to highlight its connection to the working class -- and, by extension, promoting its newest campaign tool, Joe the Plumber -- it was revealed that Palin's fashion budget for several weeks was more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514). To put it another way: Palin received more valuable clothes in one month than the average American household spends of clothes in 80 years. A Democrat put it in even blunter terms: her clothes were the cost of health care for 15 or so people.

There are, in these cases, legal questions surrounding campaign expenditures. Though, on this front, Palin and the RNC seem to be in the clear.

"I don't think it's taxed," said David Donnelly of Campaign Money Watch. "I don't think she can keep it. It's owned by the RNC. They had to use coordinated funds to pay for the clothes."

And certainly the possibility exists that this issue can be effectively swept under the rug. Palin is not known for taking impromptu questions from the press. Moreover, the media, at this juncture, has other major story lines (see: upcoming election) to grapple with, thus denying the piece the relative vacuum that accompanied the Edwards story. Finally, there is little desire among conservative writers or pundits to litigate the matter, even if they were more than happy to jump on board when a Democrat was in the spotlight.

Several hours after Politico posted its findings, the topic remained nearly untouched by the major right-wing outlets. Though as Marc Ambinder at the Atlantic opined:

"Republicans, RNC donors and at least one RNC staff member have e-mailed me tonight to share their utter (and not-for-attribution) disgust at the expenditures. ... The heat for this story will come from Republicans who cannot understand how their party would do something this stupid ... particularly (and, it must be said, viewed retroactively) during the collapse of the financial system and the probable beginning of a recession."

link

[kaiser soze]

she's not a reformer, she's a rip-off artist

See her in her red leather and how adorable she is in it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l40nrw3V3GA&eurl

[pshabi]

Originally Posted by travesty

Dude....let it go bro, just let it go. We've been over this before, a few times I think.

Palin sucks....we get it.

Actually, I think the article was very post-worthy. If you don't like the forum, stay out of it, imo.

[kaiser soze]

hahaha

Socialism or living large on someone else's dime?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_GALJujS98&eurl

[Dorothy Wood]

Originally Posted by sazi

Palin Clothes Spending Has Dems Salivating, Republicans Disgusted

October 22, 2008 01:30 AM


Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

That entertaining scoop -- which came by way of Politico -- sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article bemoaned the triviality of the whole affair.

"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 spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility. For starters, the story has the potential to dampen enthusiasm among GOP activists and donors at a critical point in the presidential race. It also creates a huge PR headache for the McCain ticket as it seeks to make inroads among voters worried about the current economic crisis.

Mainly, however, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin has spent. Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue (where RNC expenditures totaled nearly $50,000) and Neiman Marcus (where the governor had a $75,000 spree).

Beyond the political tit-for-tat, however, the revelation of the clothing expenditures offers what some Democrats see as a chance not just to win several news cycles during the campaign's waning days but to severely damage Palin's image as a small-town, 'Joe Six-Pack' American.

"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist told the Huffington Post, when asked how the party would or could use the issue. "It can help deflate her cultural populism with the Republican base. The plumber's wife doesn't go to Nieman's or Saks."

Indeed, the story could not come at a more inopportune time for the McCain campaign. During a week in which the Republican ticket is trying to highlight its connection to the working class -- and, by extension, promoting its newest campaign tool, Joe the Plumber -- it was revealed that Palin's fashion budget for several weeks was more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514). To put it another way: Palin received more valuable clothes in one month than the average American household spends of clothes in 80 years. A Democrat put it in even blunter terms: her clothes were the cost of health care for 15 or so people.

There are, in these cases, legal questions surrounding campaign expenditures. Though, on this front, Palin and the RNC seem to be in the clear.

"I don't think it's taxed," said David Donnelly of Campaign Money Watch. "I don't think she can keep it. It's owned by the RNC. They had to use coordinated funds to pay for the clothes."

And certainly the possibility exists that this issue can be effectively swept under the rug. Palin is not known for taking impromptu questions from the press. Moreover, the media, at this juncture, has other major story lines (see: upcoming election) to grapple with, thus denying the piece the relative vacuum that accompanied the Edwards story. Finally, there is little desire among conservative writers or pundits to litigate the matter, even if they were more than happy to jump on board when a Democrat was in the spotlight.

Several hours after Politico posted its findings, the topic remained nearly untouched by the major right-wing outlets. Though as Marc Ambinder at the Atlantic opined:

"Republicans, RNC donors and at least one RNC staff member have e-mailed me tonight to share their utter (and not-for-attribution) disgust at the expenditures. ... The heat for this story will come from Republicans who cannot understand how their party would do something this stupid ... particularly (and, it must be said, viewed retroactively) during the collapse of the financial system and the probable beginning of a recession."

link

whoa! $150,000??!!! I knew they were spending a lot on her makeover...but jesus, that is insane. I wonder if she feels like she's in the princess diaries? or like, if she just rolls around in a pile of expensive clothing in her hotel suite yelling, "I LOVE AMERICA!!"?

I totally would.

seems like a maverick would speak up and say, "no no, I don't need another $1000 red blazer...wait, it's Dior? ummm, well...I uh...NO! give that money to some dead baby fund or something, "

[kaiser soze]

I goes against the pork barrel spending and frugality jib she's been trying to sell

She is no Joe sixpack, she's a spoiled brat

[saz]

Palin's Qualifications Now Top Concern About McCain Candidacy

October 21, 2008 07:54 PM


Two polls released Tuesday provide striking evidence of Palin's transformation over the course of two months from GOP energy boost to major drawback, as the Alaska governor's rising unfavorability ratings have become a critical vulnerability for the McCain campaign.

Palin's qualifications to be president now rank as voters' top concern about John McCain's candidacy - "ahead of continuing President Bush's policies, enacting economic policies that only benefit the rich and keeping too high of a troop presence in Iraq," according to a new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll.

Fifty-five percent of respondents now say Palin is not qualified to serve as president, a five-point jump from the previous NBC/WSJ survey.

In addition, for the first time, more voters have a negative opinion of her than a positive one. In the survey, 47 percent view her negatively, versus 38 percent who see her in a positive light.

That's a striking shift since McCain chose Palin as his running mate in early September, when she held a 47 to 27 percent positive rating.

According to another poll by Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, opinions of Palin have flipped in the last month, especially among the female voters she was expected to attract to the McCain ticket.

Nearly half -- 49% -- of voters have an unfavorable opinion of her while 44% have a favorable view. A month ago, "favorable opinions of Palin outnumbered negative ones by 54% to 32%."

Women, especially women under age 50, have become increasingly critical of Palin: 60% now express an unfavorable view of Palin, up from 36% in mid-September. Notably, opinions of Palin have a greater impact on voting intentions than do opinions of Joe Biden, Obama's running mate.

link

[travesty]

Originally Posted by Dorothy Wood

seems like a maverick would speak up and say, "no no, I don't need another $1000 red blazer"

A real maverick would follow that with "But I could use a black one, a grey one, a fuschia one, a lilac one, a pink one, a powder blue one and of course a yellow one."

[kaiser soze]

mccain a bit steamed over the press of missy prissy six pack pants

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g...g7PqgD9409HJ00

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Presidential candidate John McCain isn't happy about having to explain why the Republican Party has had to buy running mate Sarah Palin $150,000 in clothes, hair styling and accessories.

Not really big news here, but I'm sure it'll make an impression on their base....the people who can't even afford HEATING for the winter.

Goes to show....Joe six pack has been tossed under the bus!

Vote mcfake/fakin' 08

[YoungRemy]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j...2YOxwD93V6DD00

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Gov. Sarah Palin, already found by one investigation to have abused her power, will take time from her vice presidential campaign Friday to give a deposition in a second inquiry into her firing of the state's top public safety official.
It will be the first deposition in the affair by the Republican vice presidential candidate. Palin wasn't subpoenaed to answer questions in an investigation by the state Legislature, though her husband, Todd, gave an affidavit in that probe.
The Legislature's investigator, former Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower, found that Palin violated ethics laws in attempts to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired. The trooper, Mike Wooten, had gone through a contentious divorce with Palin's sister. But Branchflower found Palin was within her right to fire Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan.
Monegan had said he was dismissed for refusing to fire Wooten, but Palin has denied that. She said she fired Monegan over budget disagreements.
"I don't think that it was an abuse of power of my office at all," Palin told CNN in an interview Tuesday. "And I was very thankful that that report cleared me of any illegal dealings or anything else. I replaced the commissioner because he was not doing the job that I expect of my Cabinet members."
The Palins' attorney, Thomas Van Flein, said Tuesday that the governor and her husband will both give depositions Friday afternoon outside of Alaska, but declined to say where. She is on the campaign trail as Republican John McCain's running mate. McCain-Palin campaign spokesman Taylor Griffin said Palin's Friday schedule has not been released.
These depositions are part of an investigation by the Alaska Personnel Board, which has hired independent counsel Timothy Petumenos, who did not return a telephone call to his Anchorage office. Van Flein said he expects each interview to take up to three hours.
Unlike the Legislature, the Personnel Board is an agency of the state's executive branch and its officials can be fired by Palin for cause. Only the three-member board has the authority to sanction Palin.
Palin has said it was up to the Personnel Board to investigate her actions, not state lawmakers. Palin agreed to cooperate with the board's investigation.
The governor originally said she would cooperate with the Legislature's probe. But after becoming the GOP vice presidential candidate, she said the investigation had become too partisan and filed the ethics grievance against herself with the Personnel Board.
The Alaska Supreme Court rejected a bid by five Republican state legislators to shut down the Legislature's investigation.

[kaiser soze]

Abuse of power, ethics, finances, and religious fanaticism

just ripe for the GOP pigfest!

[kaiser soze]

palin defends charges for kids' travels and admits her kids are political pawns

http://www.adn.com/front/story/564703.html

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is allowed to charge taxpayers for her children's commercial airline tickets because they represent the state wherever they go with her, the governor's aides said Wednesday.

"There's an expectation that the First Family participates in community activities," said Sharon Leighow, the governor's spokeswoman. "They are representing the First Family and the state of Alaska."

[Laver1969]

Since this thread's title is about Palin's kids... Does anyone know why her kid isn't in school? I would assume she's being privately-schooled while following mom on the campaign trail.

It seems Obama's kids are not on the trail as often. So I would assume they're not being privately-schooled on the trail.

Don't really knows what it means...except that maybe Palin is kinda using her kids to play up the ordinary mom image. While Obama doesn't want or need that ordinary dad image...I guess.

[kaiser soze]

Well...the show must go on I guess. Family values and all ya know, education can suck it.

Poor kid is gonna be so pissed when her designer clothes get donated to charity

[beastieboysbaby]

Originally Posted by sazi

Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.

uhhh...in my opinion thats stupid. i was watching the news earlier and these two dumb ass chicks were just talkin about palin's wardrobe...'i love her style! it helps the campaign since she looks good and knows how to dress! maybe she should get a good haircut' blah blah. WHO THE FUCK CARES? it's just clothes. thats not even important. what is wrong with people these days?

[kaiser soze]

It's called sex appeal.....and the repubs think it is something they need!

If you didn't already know Obama and Joe will be making it onto Playgirls 2009 Calendar, so they know they're already hot and won't be investing a shitload of money (even though they have more than enough!) on an upgrade.

[travesty]

Originally Posted by kaiser soze

It's called sex appeal.....and the repubs think it is something they need!

After seeing the Hillary's lack of it and her unceremonious demise....maybe they are on to something.

[kaiser soze]

yeah you're right, they gotta do something to counter the ugliness of her running mate

[travesty]

Dude is fucked up looking, and not in a good way. You'd think that with $150k for her clothes they could get John some teeth whitening. I mean damn, holmes try some Crest Whitestrips or something!

[kaiser soze]

Shop Baby Shop!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ABbfjgdeOo&eur

all she is for the GOP is a beauty queen and nothing more