When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

And so it is that the momentary focus is on Sarah Palin's $150,000 wardrobe.

In the two months since the self-described hockey mom was tapped as John McCain's vice presidential running mate, the Republican National Committee has dropped over $75,000 at Neiman Marcus and almost $50,000 at Saks Fifth Avenue on clothes and accessories for Palin, while another $25,000 or so was spent at Barneys and pricey little boutiques.

The not-so-conservatives when it comes to sartorial splendor classify the expenditures as "campaign accessories."

Who would've guessed that while Palin was giving her convention speech about being just an average hockey mom, she was decked out in a $2,500 designer jacket.

Palin may keep mentioning Main Street, but I'm starting to think she's really means Rodeo Drive.

But hey, this is the same maverick who, as governor, flew to New York for a five-hour conference then turned around and billed the taxpayers of Alaska for five days in a luxury hotel for her and her daughter.

Still, Joe Six-Pack and Joe the Plumber need not fret.

Palin and her Republican benefactors say the clothing will eventually be donated to charity.

See, GOP does mean more than just "Go Out and Purchase."

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