ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Sarah Palin, whose reformer image took a hit in a report concluding she abused her powers as Alaska Governor to settle a family score, has skirted state ethics rules before for personal benefit.

According to an Associated Press review of records, Palin also used her office to help friends and supporters.

Palin's first try at statewide office, after six years as mayor of Wasilla, was an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor in 2002. City records show she improperly used her City Hall office and equipment to raise money for that and manyn other personal endeavors.

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She pummeled opponents for giving oil companies and other businesses too much control of state government. Yet as governor, she appointed the founder of an engineering firm that received $6.8 million in state business as head of the transportation department.

Also, she has accepted dozens of gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars since taking office, including two free trips last year that she failed to report on disclosure forms despite criticizing state legislators for the gifts they take.