I used to think that the office of vice president was relatively low-key; some might even call it unnecessary. But now I realize it has a facet I wasn’t even aware of before: professional shopper.

Or at least that would be true if Gov. Sarah Palin is any indication.

Now, to be fair, I have spent the last several months defending Gov. Palin to — well, just about everyone.

I have argued that she has no less experience than Sen. Obama — and, more likely, more experience, given that she has been in a gubernatorial role.

Of course, then the report comes out saying she abused her position in firing her sister's ex-husband. I guess she isn't exactly the model of a responsible executive. That kind of blows all defense out of the water.

I have even defended her against criticisms of only utilizing “talking points” in the debates. After all, doesn’t everyone? The debates aren’t true debates; they really are more like forums for each candidate to recite his (or her) talking points.

So why pick on poor Sarah Palin?

But then I read that Palin, my vice-presidential candidate, spent $150,000. On clothes. And not normal, hockey-mom clothes, but high-end suits from Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

For crying out loud, I can’t even afford the stuff at Off Saks Fifth Avenue, let alone the real store. Even the TLC television show “What Not to Wear” only gives people $5,000 for a new wardrobe, and that’s after they throw everything else away.

I really have no defense this time.

First of all, $150,000 is a lot of money — no matter what it’s spent on. I mean, in this economy, a $150,000 house is practically a mansion.

Honestly, $150,000 on a wardrobe is ridiculous.

A professional wardrobe does not cost nearly $150,000, even if you include shoes and accessories. Hasn’t Gov. Palin heard of mixing and matching, or is that not “normal” enough for her?

In fact, Cindi Leive, editor in chief of Glamour Magazine, told The New York Times, “My first reaction when I heard about this was, ‘Honey, I could have dressed you for a lot less than that.’” A few trips to stores like Ann Taylor, J.Crew, or even Nordstrom would yield great mix-and-match separates for much less than $150,000 and would fashion perfectly suitable attire. (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

But more important than the amount is the fact that it was money that Republicans donated to the Republican National Committee for real election-related things.

Though I have never personally donated to the RNC, I know people who have and they did not do it to finance a new wardrobe for Gov. Palin.

After all, what did she wear as governor, a fleece jacket paired with jeans and Ugg boots?

Even if the clothes are donated to charity, as both Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain have said they will be, what happens if the Republicans are elected to office? Will she buy yet another wardrobe, this time using taxpayer money from everyone? Or is she going to stick to that old standby of jeans and a fleece pullover? (Although you’d have to admit, the Ugg boots would definitely be a change in the White House.)

Shame on you, Gov. Palin, for thinking this was a good idea. And, even worse, shame on you for thinking we wouldn’t care.

Janne is wishing she had $150,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. If you find any spare change, let her know at janne.gaub@asu.edu.