It may be that Daniel’s interpretation of the ethics act is consistent with a very literal reading of the act, but contrary to his claim, it is an affront to common sense. No “ordinary citizen” would face the kind of “legal charges” that have bedeviled Palin–to wit, politically motivated accusations that she has misused her office.

CNN.com quotes Palin as saying in a statement that “neither I nor my lawyer has received a penny from this fund.” Even if that changes, it is ridiculous to say Palin enjoys “personal gain” if she gets help offsetting her legal bills. At best it would partially offset the costs imposed on her by her roles as governor, vice presidential nominee and political hate object–only the first two of which she took on voluntarily.