That source states nothing about it being against any set of rules, let alone the federal election laws. From the article:
"It is ridiculous that the RNC would spend 150,000 dollars to outfit a vice presidential nominee and her family at any time," said the group's executive director Melanie Sloan on its website (www.citizensforethics.org).
"But it is more outrageous given the dire financial straights of so many Americans and the state of our economy."Looking up the web site of the complainers turned up this:
FECA specifically prohibits a candidate for federal office from converting campaign funds to personal use. FEC regulations make clear that the prohibition applies to clothing purchases, such as those made for the Palin family.The RNC sole argument at this point is that because they're giving it to charity afterwards, this regulation doesn't apply.
Whether or not that is the case is up to the FEC, initially anyway. Let them deal with it. While it may show somewhat poor judgement on the part of the RNC, I still think it's a non-issue in terms of Palin. I seriously doubt this is something she initiated.
I am not buying the charity angle. That is total BS. And I expect the FEC won't buy it either. If they did it would open a huge loophole that would complete undercut all campaign finance laws.
I expect the RCN to get hit with a fine over this.
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