WASHINGTON (AP):

John McCain's presidential campaign said thousands of dollars worth of clothing, purchased by the Republican Party for running mate Sarah Palin, will go to a "charitable purpose" after the campaign.

The Republican National Committee spent about $150,000 on clothing, hair styling, makeup and other "campaign accessories" in September for the McCain campaign after Palin joined the ticket as his running mate.

The expenses include $75,062 spent at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, and $41,850 in St. Louis in early September. The committee also reported spending $4,100 for make-up and hair consulting. The expenses were first reported by Politico.com.

"With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said McCain spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt, who has been traveling with Palin. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

Internet derision

In 2007, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards sparked Internet derision and jokes from late-night TV comics after his campaign for the party's nomination paid for two $400 haircuts by a stylist from Beverly Hills, California. His campaign said the bill was paid by the campaign by mistake and that Edwards would reimburse the campaign.