there is an entirely circular sense in which there is a "record of success"---she was nominated to run as vp. she set out to "enter the big leagues" and she did it. most everything else is either routine stuff (you have to do something as governor) or re-branding.
$150 grand of new clothes can help toward that rebranding end:
Sarah Palin's new image cost Republicans $150,000 | World news | guardian.co.uk
beyond getting the republicans to pay for the clothes, i'm not sure i see the achievement.
hell, i could rebrand myself with that kind of cash behind me for clothes alone.
anyone could.