Palin blasts blogger's ethics complaint

JUNEAU, Alaska, March 25 (UPI) -- An ethics complaint has been filed against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin alleging that she had a conflict of interest when she wore Arctic Cat logo gear at an event.

A political blogger alleges a conflict because the governor's husband, Todd Palin, is sponsored by Arctic Cat in the world's longest snowmachine race, from Big Lake to Nome to Fairbanks, the Anchorage Daily News reported Wednesday.

In a statement, the governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee blasted Linda Kellen Biegel for filing the complaint over what she wore during this year's Tesoro Iron Dog snowmachine race.

"Yes, I wore Arctic Cat snow gear at an outdoor event, because it was cold outside, and by the way, today, I am wearing clothes bearing the names of Alaska artists, and a Glennallen Panthers basketball hoodie," Palin said. "I am a walking billboard for the team's fundraiser! Should I expect to see an ethics charge for wearing these, or the Carhartts I wear to many public events? How much will this blogger's asinine political grandstanding cost all of us in time and money?"

Biegel, a Democrat, blogs under the name "Celtic Diva." She said in her complaint that Palin "improperly used her position and state resources to benefit her financial interests by advertising for Arctic Cat, a private company and sponsor of her husband.