Palin has chequered history

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, whose reformer image took a hit in a report concluding she abused her powers to settle a family score, has skirted state ethics rules before for personal benefit.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate whose reformer image took a hit in a report concluding she abused her powers to settle a family score, has skirted state ethics rules before for personal benefit and used her office to help friends and supporters, according to an Associated Press review of records.

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Palin’s first try at statewide office, after six years as mayor of Wasilla, was an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor in 2002. To raise money, she improperly used her City Hall office and equipment, city records show.

A year later she would make headlines by blasting a fellow Republican for, among other things, improperly using his government position to boost his campaign.

The Republican vice presidential nominee has become much like the old-school politicians she attacked during her rise to power.