RNC drops nearly $85k on Palin’s Minneapolis shopping sprees

Palin at the Republican National Convention (WDCpix.com)

Politico is reporting that the Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 purchasing clothing for Sarah Palin and her family, according to just-released financial disclosures — including a $75,000 shopping spree at Minneapolis’ Nieman Marcus in early September.

The disclosure also listed $4,716.49 worth of hair and makeup expenses in September and several trips to Macy’s in Minneapolis, where a total of $9,447.71 was spent.

The RNC, which called Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards a “pricey haircut enthusiast” after reportedly paying $400 for two haircuts, wouldn’t respond to Politico’s initial request for clarification. It has since 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.”

An earlier FEC disclosure revealed that Palin’s running mate, John McCain, had spent $5,583.43 to hire Tifanie White, the makeup artist known for her work on So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol. Sarah Palin spent $4,000 more than that on makeup last month alone.