ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - Presidential candidate John McCain isn't happy about having to explain why the Republican Party has had to buy running mate Sarah Palin US$150,000 in clothes, hair styling and accessories.

McCain was asked several questions on Thursday about the shopping spree -- and he answered each one more or less the same way: Palin needed clothes and they'll be donated to charity.

McCain offered no further comment, except to say that the Republican National Committee doesn't buy his clothes.

News of the purchases, largely from upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus, contrasts with the image Palin has crafted as a typical hockey mom.