Critics 'out to destroy' Palin, say Republicans

The controversy over Sarah Palin and her selection as Republican presidential hopeful John McCain's running mate is a "faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee" for vice president, his campaign said today.

In a clear sign the McCain campaign views Mrs Palin as being under siege, aides called for an end to questions over the Arizona senator's judgment in selecting her as she knocked the Republican Party's key messages off the front page during their national convention.