First it was hot checks.

Then it was funny money.

Now it’s fancy pants.

Sarah Palin did it. Debra Medina did it. So why can’t Hank Gilbert?

It’s not just women. The Democratic agriculture commissioner candidate has spent $2,192 on clothes from his campaign contributions, an increasingly popular ethics conundrum.

The Texas Ethics Commission tells candidates not to use campaign expenditures for personal use, although there are certain gray areas like dry cleaning and cowboy hats for campaign appearances.

Gilbert said he bought clothes from western wear shop Cavender’s, Kohl’s and Men’s Wearhouse solely for the campaign. He said he will give it to charity at the end of the race, just as he did when he ran in 2006.

You know the difference between the Boy Scouts and Hank Gilbert’s campaign for Ag Commissioner?  The Boy Scouts have adult leadership.

“I like Hank Gilbert,” Juanita says, “I truly do.  But if Hank is folding like a cheap suitcase against Kinky Friedman, I don’t even want to imagine what’s gonna happen in November.  He’s going to have to spend a campaign explaining checks and boots.  Come to think of it, Hank’s whole campaign is beginning to sound like a country / western song.”

“A couple of months ago, a local politician around here asked me rustle up a thousand bucks to give Hank.  Phew, I’m glad I held on to my money,” Juanita says while starting a pot of coffee before opening the salon, “because if I’m gonna dress a man, it’s gonna be Dennis Quaid.”