Bristol Palin insists tea party isn’t keeping her on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Bristol Palin is good and sick of people implying that her mom's political supporters are the only reason she hasn't been eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars."

In an interview with E! News, Palin insisted it's hard work that's kept her in the game and not some tea party conspiracy. "I work my butt off here," Palin said. "I rehearse every day. I am totally out of my element here. I think I deserve to be here."

Besides, she added, "Think of all the people out there who hate my mom. It can work both ways with me being Sarah Palin's daughter."

Her comments come as Jezebel's Tracie Egan Morrissey finds more evidence of apparent electronic ballot-stuffing by Sarah Palin's conservative backers — though, in fairness, most rabid DWTS fans find similar ways to boost their favorites on the show. Palin, who posted her highest scores of the season on Monday night's episode, faces an elimination vote tonight.

In related news, Palin also shot a somewhat-painful-to-watch pro-abstinence public service announcement with her former DWTS co-star, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from MTV's "Jersey Shore."

(Photo of Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas: Adam Larkey/ABC)