Palin subject of new ethics complaint

JUNEAU, Alaska, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been slapped with an ethics complaint for having the state pay for her children to travel with her while on official business.

Frank Gwartney, a retired lineman who filed the complaint with Alaska Attorney General Talis Colber in Juneau, said Palin "ran on the platform of ethics, transparency and anti-corruption. I'm tired of the hypocrisy that exists in government and people need to know the truth."

The complaint against Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, alleges she misused her official position "for personal gain by securing unwarranted benefits for her daughters," CBS News reported Wednesday. Allegations in the complaint are related to state-reimbursed travel.

Palin allegedly billed the state $54,803 in travel expenses for her daughters Bristol, Piper and Willow, and her husband Todd, CBS said.

"Governor Palin followed state policy allowing governors to charge for their children's travel and there's also the expectation that the first family participate in community activities across the state," said Sharon Leighow, Palin's deputy communications director.

The attorney general is expected to refer the complaint to the personnel board.