Sarah Palin in yet another ethics suit

Alaska: A new ethics complaint has been filed against Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, accusing the Alaska governor of abusing her power by charging the state when her children travelled with her.

The complaint alleges that the Republican vice presidential nominee used her official position as governor for personal gain. It follows a report by The Associated Press last week that Palin charged the state more than Dh77, 140.23 ($21,000) for her three daughters' commercial flights, including events where they weren't invited, and later ordered their expense forms amended to specify official state business.

In some cases, Palin also has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.

The complaint released on Wednesday says Palin charged the travel costs for events her children were not invited to and where they served in no legitimate state purpose or business. "Governor Palin intentionally secured unwarranted benefits for family members, improperly used state property to benefit her personal and financial interests, and illegally altered documents that were the subject of a Public Records request," the complaint states.

Earlier this month, a legislative report found Palin violated state ethics laws when she fired her public safety commissioner.

Any ethics complaints against a governor, lieutenant governor or attorney general go to the Alaska Personnel Board to determine whether state law was violated. The three-member panel is appointed by the governor.

Dave Jones, an assistant attorney general, said ethics complaints are confidential unless their targets waive confidentiality or allegations are found to have merit.

Jones said he could not discuss any particular case, but added that in general possible penalties could include fines of up to $5,000. In a case where an official has been found to have benefited, the official could be ordered to pay up to twice the amount of the personal gain.