You have laid this out so even righties (should: ((use with discretion)) be able to understand it. However, if WE, Dems and Independents and other like-minded, tend to suggest that she is still or going to be significant by doing something that draws attention to her; ...I'm trying to say, would we be helping her stay in the news/spotlight?
I know it would help everybody if she gave the money back, as long as she's portrayed negatively. But, even the top aides to McCain do not deny that they use the less informed to 'get the job done.' So, if many who just look at the news, see her, or her name in public, they (the less-informed) may very well believe she must be doing very well.