Palin opposes blog's Limbaugh claim

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she is not attempting to undermine conservative radio star Rush Limbaugh despite a blog's claim to the contrary.

A spokeswoman for Palin, the Republican Party's nominee for U.S. vice president in 2008, said claims made in a report on the Washington Post blog "The Plum Line" regarding Palin's stance on Limbaugh were inaccurate, The Politico reported Friday.

Palin spokeswoman Meg Stapleton spoke with the Post blogger after Palin criticized White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel for his use of the word "retarded" in a private meeting.

Stapleton was asked if Palin would also offer criticism of Limbaugh for using the same term on his radio talk show, The Politico reported.

"Governor Palin believes crude and demeaning name calling at the expense of others is disrespectful," Stapleton responded.

Stapleton said her comments were misrepresented by the Post in an item published Thursday, adding her response was not directed at Limbaugh.

"The Washington Post is trying hard to take the pressure off the White House by creating a side controversy, but it is missing the point," Stapleton claimed. "As the governor has said, it doesn't matter who says the 'r' word. It should no longer be part of our lexicon."