Ever the spunky one, Sarah Palin is fighting back today against new ethics charges that say she used donated money from a legal defense set up for her to pay for her own legal bills.

"I am informed that this fund was created by experienced attorneys in DC and was modeled after other similar funds established for senators and others. The fund itself was not created by me nor is it controlled by me," the Alaska governor said in a statement. "Neither I nor my lawyer has received a penny from this fund, and I am informed the Trustee was withholding any action or payment pending final resolution with the Personnel Board. This is the hallmark of legal compliance and prudent conduct." 

Palin also took to Twitter to blast her critics.

In one tweet, she wrote: "In violation of Ethics Act more allegations were filed today by serial complainer;gave to press be4 we could respond;ridiculous, wasteful … Some ask why not sue abusers of Ethics Act bc state wastes 1000’s hrs/millions of tax dollars to fight (and win!) frivolous charges, tho … it costs political critics NOTHING to file/play their wasteful game;They should debate policy in political arena,not hide w/process abuse."

Palin’s lawyers say the funds haven’t been distributed at all yet and Palin had no role in the creation of the Alaska Fund Trust, adding that the accusations consist of a "grossly unfair portrayal of her."

The new report, written by an investigator for the state personnel board, came in response to an ethics complaint filed after the fund was established. First reported by the AP, the report says the legal defense fund was trading on Palin’s status as a public official to solicit donations, which could amount to improper gifts under Alaska law. It recommended that she refuse to accept money from the fund and ask the state for reimbursement instead.

"There is little doubt that the Alaska Fund Trust will provide ‘personal gain’ to Governor Palin because the trust will provide a benefit to the governor’s financial interest," Anchorage lawyer Thomas M. Daniel wrote in the report.

This is just the latest in a string of ethics charges levied against Palin, most of which have been dismissed. But still, Palin has been forced to pay big money to defend herself against them. She says she owes $500,000 in legal bills, and that the continuing "bull crap" charges are one big reason she decided to resign from office this month. She will leave the governor’s office this weekend.

You can read the ethics report here.