Politico reports that the RNC has spent $150,000 on clothing, accessories, hair care, and makeup for Sarah Palin. McCain-Palin spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt responded to the story, writing in 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. It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign.” According to Marc Ambinder, Republicans are “disgusted” with the expenditures:
Is attacking Palin or the RNC going to have the kind of punch that, say, mocking John Edwards’s haircut did? I don’t think so. As the breadwinner of a family of seven, Palin is the only one on either ticket who isn’t wealthy. Obviously she hadn’t built up the kind of wardrobe that a woman in the national spotlight has. What’s a reasonable cost for a woman on TV almost everyday? I have no idea, but it would be helpful to know how much Hillary Clinton’s entire wardrobe is worth as a point of reference. At any rate, if RNC donors are upset that the clothes are going to charity, here’s an alternative suggestion: Sell the clothes on eBay, and turn a nice little profit. If copies of Obama’s the first edition of book are going for $12,000, I’m sure that the jacket Palin wore at the RNC could be sold to a collector for a lot more than the original price.
