Those pesky "ethics"...

.. just bit CPAC in the butt didn't it?

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Pain is turning down an invitation to speak at one high-profile conservative gathering while accepting another. 

Palin is declining an invitation to address the Conservative Political Action Conference next month because, a source said, she does not want to be affiliated with the longtime organizer of the traditional movement confab. 

At issue is the role of David Keene, head of the American Conservative Union which organizes CPAC. In September, POLITICO reported that Keene asked FedEx for between $2 million and $3 million to get the group's support in a bitter legislative battle with rival UPS.

I remember the scandal and a lot of people in the blogosphere (even on the right)  referred to it as "negotiations" (although some called out the ACU for the blackmail scheme)... and now they can't get the hottest political ticket (In more ways that one,,, hey, I'm political, but not blind) in town because their organizer got caught with his hand trying to get something out of the cookie jar..

I'm guessing they're not considered "negotiations" anymore, now are they?

Of course, Keene trying to put his own spin on it...

"Our relationship with the Palin staff has always been very cordial and respectful," Keene said. "Governor Palin has our admiration and we are disappointed that she will not be able to attend CPAC this year, but hope she will attend in the future."

In tea-speak:  "Please, please like us again, or we're totally screwed in the future.".