Michael S. Steele (born October 19, 1958) is the chairman of GOPAC and a former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, having been elected on the same ticket as Governor Robert L. Ehrlich in 2002. He is the first African American to serve in a Maryland state-wide office and the first Republican lieutenant governor in the state since the position was created in 1970. He was, at the time, the highest-ranking elected African American Republican in the United States. On October 25, 2005, Steele announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring senator Paul Sarbanes. On November 7, 2006, Steele lost the election to Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin. He currently appears on CNN's The Situation Room and various shows on FOX News as a political pundit. He is considered to be a possible VP pick for Senator John McCain. A Lieutenant Governor or Lieutenant-Governor is a government official who is the subordinate or deputy of a Governor or Governor-General. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Largest metro area Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 101 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N... is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... For the entrepreneur and businessman, see Robert Ehrlich. ... Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend (born July 4, 1951) was lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. ... Anthony G. Brown (born November 21, 1961 in Huntington, New York) is an American politician. ... is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Emblem of the AFDW Andrews Air Force Base (ICAO code KADW) is a United States Air Force base near Washington, DC and the home base of the U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Largest metro area Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 101 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N... GOP redirects here. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... GOPAC is a Republican political action committee (PAC), calling itself the premier training organization for Republican candidates for elected office. ... Current Lt. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Largest metro area Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 101 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N... Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of Maryland after independence. ... The neutrality of this article is disputed. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... GOP redirects here. ... Year 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the political process. ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... Paul Spyros Sarbanes (born February 3, 1933), a Democrat, is the senior United States Senator representing the state of Maryland. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Benjamin Louis Ben Cardin (born October 5, 1943) is a Democratic member of the United States Senate representing the state of Maryland. ... This article is about the CNN news program. ... For McCains grandfather and father, see John S. McCain, Sr. ...

Childhood, education, and early career

Steele was born on October 19, 1958, at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County. He spent his childhood in the Petworth neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C. which Steele has described as a small, stable and racially integrated community that insulated him from some of the problems elsewhere in the city.^[1] He was one of two children raised by mother Maebell Turner and stepfather John Turner. Steele’s sister Monica later married and divorced former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Emblem of the AFDW Andrews Air Force Base (ICAO code KADW) is a United States Air Force base near Washington, DC and the home base of the U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One. ... Prince Georges County is a suburban county located in the state of Maryland immediately east of Washington, D.C.. It is notable as the wealthiest majority-African-American county in the country. ... Map of Washington, D.C., with Petworth highlighted in red Petworth is a neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., bounded by Georgia Avenue to the west, North Capitol Street to the east, Rock Creek Church Road to the south, and Kennedy Street NW to the north. ... Color-enhanced USGS satellite image of Washington, DC, taken April 26, 2002. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ... Michael Gerard Tyson (born June 30, 1966) is a former two-time American world heavyweight boxing champion and is the youngest man to have won a world heavyweight title. ...

Steele attended Archbishop Carroll Roman Catholic High School in Northeast Washington, D.C. While at Carroll, Steele participated in the Glee Club, the National Honor Society and many of the school’s drama productions. During his senior year, 1976-1977, he won the election for student council president. Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is recognition program for middle and high school students who show achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ...

Steele won a scholarship to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. In his first year there, Steele was elected class president and was a member of the fencing team. He struggled academically, however, and was nearly kicked out of the university at the end of the year. After garnering A's in summer classes at George Washington University, Steele was able to continue at Johns Hopkins, and he earned a bachelor's degree in international relations in 1981. The Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, is a private institution of higher learning located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. ... Baltimore redirects here. ... The George Washington University (GW), is a private, coeducational university located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The school was founded in 1821 as The Columbian College in the District of Columbia by Baptist ministers using funds bequeathed by George Washington. ... A bachelors degree is usually an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course or major that generally lasts for three, four, or in some cases and countries, five or six years. ... Foreign affairs redirects here. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ...

After college, Steele spent three years as a seminarian in the Order of St. Augustine in preparation for the priesthood. He entered the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. As a seminarian, he taught freshman world history and senior economics for one year at Malvern Prep School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, but ultimately decided on a career in law and he left the Seminary prior to taking the vows. Detail of St. ... Villanova University is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Face-to-face trading interactions on the New York Stock Exchange trading floor. ... Location of Malvern in relation to Paoli and Chesterbrook Malvern is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. ...

Steele listens during Vice President Dick Cheney's address at the Second Annual African American Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 28, 2004.

Steele then entered the Georgetown University Law Center and in 1991, he received his Juris Doctor degree. He worked as a corporate securities associate attorney at the Washington, D.C. office of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton. From 1991 to 1997, Steele specialized in financial investments for Wall Street underwriters, working at Cleary’s Tokyo, Japan office focusing on major product liability litigation and at its London office on corporate matters. Steele left the law firm and founded the Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm. ImageMetadata File history File links Steele_cheney_luncheon. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Steele_cheney_luncheon. ... Richard Bruce Dick Cheney (born January 30, 1941), is the 46th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President George W. Bush. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Georgetown University Law Center (Georgetown Law), is Georgetown Universitys law school, located in Washington, D.C., United States. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... J.D. redirects here. ... An attorney is someone who represents someone else in the transaction of business: For attorney-at-law, see lawyer, solicitor, barrister or civil law notary. ... Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton is an international law firm headquartered in New York City. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Elaborate marble facade of NYSE as seen from the intersection of Broad and Wall Streets For other uses, see Wall Street (disambiguation). ... Tokyo (東京; Tōkyō, lit. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

Steele and his wife Andrea have two sons, Michael and Drew.

Political development

Steele’s mother was a widowed laundress who he stated worked for minimum wage rather than accept public assistance. Steele grew up in a Democratic household. However, as a young man he switched to the Republican Party.

After joining the Republican Party, Steele became chairman of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee. In 1995, the Maryland Republican Party selected him as Maryland State Republican Man of the Year. He worked on several political campaigns, was an Alternate Delegate to the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego and a Delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia that ultimately chose the George W. Bush ticket. Not to be confused with Prince George County, Virginia. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... The 1996 Republican National Convention convened at the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) in San Diego, California from August 12 to August 15. ... Flag Seal Nickname: Americas Finest City Location Location of San Diego within San Diego County Coordinates , Government County San Diego Mayor City Attorney         City Council District One District Two District Three District Four District Five District Six District Seven District Eight Jerry Sanders (R) Michael Aguirre Scott Peters Kevin... The 2000 Republican National Convention convened at the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 31 to August 3, 2000. ... For other uses, see Philadelphia (disambiguation) and Philly. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ...

In December 2000, Steele was elected chairman of the Maryland Republican Party ^[2], becoming the first African American ever to be elected chairman of any state Republican Party. Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland

Steele watches a video and discusses Seaduck Research with Edward Lohnes (left) and Dr Matthew C Perry (right).

In 2002, then-Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich selected Steele as his running mate and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in the campaign against Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who was then the Lieutenant Governor (under Governor Parris Glendening). Steele resigned his chairmanship of the Maryland Republican Party to campaign full-time, although he received payments as a Party consultant (see Controversies, below). In endorsing Townsend, the Baltimore Sun praised her running mate, Charles R. Larson, for his experience and expertise, and added: "By contrast, Mr. Ehrlich's running mate, state GOP chairman Michael S. Steele, brings little to the team but the color of his skin." ^[3] Image File history File links Steele_at_USGS.jpg http://www. ... Image File history File links Steele_at_USGS.jpg http://www. ... The neutrality of this article is disputed. ... Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend (born July 4, 1951) was lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. ... PARRIS N. GLENDENING Governor (Democrat), 1995-2003 Governor of Maryland, January 18, 1995 to January 15, 2003. ... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ... Admiral Charles Larson, 1988 Charles R. Larson is a retired four-star Admiral of the United States Navy. ...

In the September primary election, Ehrlich and Steele had no serious opposition. In the November 2002 general election, even though Maryland traditionally votes Democratic and had not elected a Republican Governor in almost 40 years, the Townsend campaign was tainted by problems with outgoing governor Glendening's personal life. The Ehrlich-Steele ticket won, 51% to 48%.

Steele’s most prominent efforts for the Ehrlich administration were reforming the state’s Minority Business Enterprise program and chairing Governor Ehrlich’s Commission on Quality Education in Maryland. He endured criticism for supporting the death penalty in Maryland despite racial inequities in its administration.

National prominence

Recently, Steele has attained national prominence due to his stature as a successful elected conservative Republican African American and his public speaking. At the 2004 Republican National Convention, Steele gave the Republican counterpoint to the Democrats' Barack Obama in a prime time speech, Steele's first major national exposure. In April 2005, President Bush chose Steele as one of three members of the United States delegation at the investiture of Pope Benedict XVI at the ceremonial mass in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Steele was joined by Florida Governor Jeb Bush and by Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. Steele has appeared several times on HBO's political show Real Time with Bill Maher, hosted by comedian Bill Maher. He appeared on Comedy Central's talk show The Colbert Report on January 24, 2007. Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. ... An African American (also Afro-American, Black American, or simply black) is a member of an ethnic group in the United States whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Africa. ... 2004 Republican National Convention Logo President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney accepted their partys nomination to run for second terms. ... “Barack” redirects here. ... Prime time is the block of programming on television during the middle of the evening. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Papal Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal tiara was replaced with a bishops mitre, and pallium of the Pope was added beneath the coat of arms. ... Saint Peters Square and Basilica, 1909. ... This article is about the U.S. State of Florida. ... List of Governors of Florida: Florida Governors Military Government Territorial Government Statehood Categories: Lists of United States governors | Governors of Florida | Government of Florida ... John Ellis Jeb Bush (born February 11, 1953), a Republican, is the forty-third and current Governor of Florida. ... Knights of Columbus emblem The Knights of Columbus is the worlds largest Roman Catholic fraternal service organization. ... Since its founding in 1882, there have been 13 Supreme Knights of the Knights of Columbus. ... Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson Carl A. Anderson (February 27, 1951) is the thirteenth and current Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. ... For other uses, see HBO (disambiguation). ... Real Time with Bill Maher is a talk show that airs weekly on HBO, hosted by comedian and political satirist Bill Maher. ... William Maher, Jr. ... Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel in the United States. ... The Colbert Report (IPA ) is an American satirical television program that airs from 11:30 p. ... is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

2006 campaign for U.S. Senate

Main article: Maryland U.S. Senate election, 2006

When Paul Sarbanes, Maryland’s longest serving United States Senator, announced in March of 2005 that he would not be a candidate for re-election in 2006, top state and national Republican officials began pressing Steele to become their party's nominee for the seat. [20] In April 2005 the Baltimore Sun announced the results of a poll it conducted, stating that Steele would run statistically neck and neck against either former NAACP head Kweisi Mfume, or Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin of Baltimore County. The Maryland U.S. Senate election of 2006 will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. ... Paul Spyros Sarbanes (born February 3, 1933), a Democrat, is the senior United States Senator representing the state of Maryland. ... Type Upper House President of the Senate Richard B. Cheney, R since January 20, 2001 President pro tempore Robert C. Byrd, D since January 4, 2007 Members 100 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Last elections November 7, 2006 Meeting place Senate Chamber United States Capitol Washington, DC United States... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ... Mfume delivering a speech at NOAA during Black History Month, 2005 Kweisi Mfume (born Frizzell Gerald Gray, October 24, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland) is the former President/CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as a five-term Democratic Congressman from Marylands... Benjamin Louis Cardin (born October 5, 1943) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 3rd district of the State of Maryland since 1987. ... For other uses of Baltimore, see Baltimore (disambiguation). ...

On October 25, 2005, Steele formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Polling in February 2006 showed the Lieutenant Governor lost significant ground against Cardin, although he remained statistically even with Mfume.^[4] Cardin won the primary election on September 12, 2006. is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In early 2006, Steele's campaign had some high-level resignations. Campaign manager, Graham Shafer left in January, and communications director and spokesman Leonardo Alcivar left in February. ^[5]

Steele lost the general election to Cardin on November 7, 2006, getting 44% of the vote to Cardin's 55%. The Washington Post reports that on election day the Steele campaign arranged for buses of low income people from Philadelphia to distribute fliers at polls. Some claim the flyers had incorrect information, including an implication that Michael Steele was a Democrat and that he was endorsed by prominent black leaders who had not, in fact, endorsed him.^[6] is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

After the Senate race

Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix blog reported one day after Steele conceded defeat in his Senate election that he was considering a run to succeed Ken Mehlman as the next chairman of the Republican National Committee.^[7] Instead Senator Mel Martinez of Florida was appointed as Mehlman's replacement.^[8] "I have not had any conversations directly with the White House yet on this," Steele said on C-Span's Washington Journal about the job.^[9] ... The Fix is an American political weblog written daily by Chris Cillizza for The Washington Post website. ... Kenneth Brian Mehlman (born August 21, 1966, Baltimore, Maryland) is an American attorney who was chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005 to 2007. ... The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States. ... Melquíades Rafael Mel Martínez (born October 23, 1946) is a Cuban-American, who is currently the junior United States Senator from Florida and the General Chairman of the Republican Party. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Washington Journal is a political call-in and interview television program running daily on C-SPAN. It usually runs live 7-10 AM Eastern Standard Time with no commerical interruption (as C-SPAN does not sell advertising or tabulate viewer ratings), with exceptions when special events preempt all or part...

In February 2007, Steele did become chairman of GOPAC, a political action committee that helps fund state and local Republican campaigns around the country. In April 2007, he joined the international law firm of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP. In the United States, a political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group organized to elect or defeat government officials in order to promote legislation, often supporting the groups special interests. ...

On May 17, 2007 Steele served as Co-Master of Ceremonies for the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Washington Times newspaper. Former President George H. W. Bush was the keynote speaker. Steele, in his opening comments, said that he had subscribed to the Times throughout its 25 years of publication. is the 137th day of the year (138th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Washington Times is a daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C.. It was founded in 1982 as a conservative alternative to the Washington Post by members of the controversial Unification Church. ... George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) was the 41st President of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993. ...

There has been talk that Steele may be considered for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development if Alphonso Jackson steps down. Steele is also considered a possible candidate for Governor of Maryland in the future. He may also run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 if Barbara Mikulski retires. In addition, some conservatives have been touting Steele as a possible running mate for presumptive Republican 2008 presidential nominee John McCain.^[10] The United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is the head of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, concerned with The Secretary is a member of the Presidents Cabinet. ... Alphonso Roy Jackson (born September 9, 1945 in Marshall, Texas) is the current and 13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ... Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of Maryland after independence. ... Barbara Ann Mikulski (born July 20, 1936), a member of the Democratic Party, is the current Class 3 United States Senator representing the State of Maryland. ... McCain redirects here. ...

At the Media Research Center's 2007 DisHonors Awards Gala, Steele concluded a speech with the following: "I get a question all the time, 'Are you going to run again for office?' And I've thought about that, and I've come to realize that there's still some Democrats out there that I haven't ticked off yet. So, yeah, we're gonna do it again. We're gonna do it again, and all I have to say is, they haven't seen anything yet." ^[11] Image:BBozell. ...

Political positions

Steele is opposed to abortion including in cases of rape and incest, but regarding Roe v. Wade itself, Steele has said that the principle of stare decisis ought to be followed. He supports federal funding for only some stem cell research (e.g., Adult stem cell|adult stem cell research or Cord blood|cord blood stem cell research) if it does not cause the destruction of a human embryo--as is the case in embryonic stem cell research. He supports free trade, tax cuts, school vouchers, welfare reform and tort reform. He opposes gay adoption and supports a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Steele has expressed serious concerns with the death penalty during his Senate campaign and has called for further study into its fairness and accuracy.

On August 7, 2006, Steele released answers to a Baltimore Sun candidate survey. In those answers he lays out his position on a variety of issues.

• The war in Iraq: "It is imperative we improve conditions on the ground so we can bring our troops home as quickly as possible and have the Iraqi people take control of their own destiny. At the same time, we should not publicly state a timetable for implementation. I do not support a 'cut and run strategy.' Any politician out there talking about timetables and timelines is playing into the hands of our enemies who have an enormous capacity to wait. It would be a disaster for us to cut and run, as it would destroy our credibility in the region for at least a generation. At the same time, it is the Iraqi’s themselves that will ultimately have to make democracy work in their country. We should stay there only long enough to give the Iraqi people the tools they need to secure the very democracy they voted for three times. After that, it’s up to them."
• Energy policy: "To provide immediate relief for Marylanders, I have called on President Bush and Congress to enact an immediate moratorium on the federal gas tax - more than 18 cents per gallon - and an immediate moratorium on the 24 cents per gallon diesel tax. Moreover, Congress should approve legislation to suspend the tariff on ethanol imports. But those actions are designed to deal with our immediate crisis. Congress must roll up its sleeves and work to solve the underlying problem - our dependence on foreign sources of energy. To do that, I’ve called on Congress to double President Bush’s budget request for biomass and bio-refinery research, and create market and tax incentives for E85 fuels, hybrid technologies and alternative energy sources. Tax credits for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles need to be renewed and expanded. Additionally, we must increase fuel efficiency standards for automobiles – not just this year, but over the next several years."
• Affirmative action: "Studies show enormous disparities still exist in education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities along racial lines in the United States. I believe programs are still necessary to help close these divides. I support giving people opportunities. Programs must be fair to all Marylanders – of every color – and they should focus on economic empowerment."
• The budget deficit: "Congress must also enact pro-growth policies that encourage the economy to expand: like making tax relief permanent and repealing the death tax. As we saw with the most recent deficit figures, a growing economy will in fact reduce the size of the budget deficit. In order to achieve optimal economic growth, Congress must adhere to sane spending guidelines while promoting smart policies devoted to growing businesses and creating jobs."
• Stem cell research: "We have a lot to gain through furthering stem cell research, but medical breakthroughs should be fundamentally about saving, not destroying, human life. Therefore, I support stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo."
• Health care: " We need to increase access to health insurance through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible policies, so individuals and families can purchase the insurance that's best for them and meets their specific needs. . . . I support allowing small businesses to band together and compete for better insurance options. . . . To help increase our nation’s seniors access to affordable care, I have called to extend the sign up period for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan."

Controversies

Oreo cookie incident

After a September 26, 2002 gubernatorial debate, which had occurred without reported incident, Paul Schurick, Ehrlich's communications manager, claimed that the Townsend campaign handed out Oreo cookies to the audience.^[12] Five days after the debate, Steele said that one or more Oreo cookies had rolled to his feet during the debate suggesting a racist statement against him. "Maybe it was just someone having their snack, but it was there," Steele said. "If it happened, shame on them if they are that immature and that threatened by me." At the time of the debate, Schurick had not mentioned any such incident, but in November 2005 he claimed "It was raining Oreos... They were thick in the air like locusts. I was there. It was very real. It wasn't subtle."^[13] In a November 2005 Hannity and Colmes appearance, Steele agreed with Hannity that cookies were thrown at him. ^[14] Neil Duke of the Baltimore NAACP, who moderated the debate, praised the "passionate audience" and noted their "derisive behavior"^[12] but did not see this behavior. "Were there some goofballs sitting in [the] right-hand corner section tossing cookies amongst themselves and acting like sophomores, as the legend has it?" Duke said. "I have no reason to doubt those sources; I just didn't see it."^{[13] [15] [16]}. The operations manager of the building where the debate was held, interviewed three years after the event by the Baltimore Sun, disputed Steele's claim and said "I was in on the cleanup, and we found no cookies or anything else abnormal. There were no Oreo cookies thrown."^[13] Some eyewitnesses including AP reporter Tom Stuckey who was at the event have said cookies were handed out.^{[17] [18] [19]} Other eyewitnesses could not corroborate Steele and Schurick's claim. ^{[20] [21]} is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... For other uses, see Oreo (disambiguation). ... This box:      Racism has many definitions, the most common and widely accepted is that members of one race are intrinsically superior or inferior to members of other races. ... Categories: Television stubs ... The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is one of the oldest and most influential hate organizations in the United States. ... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ...

Financial difficulties

Steele admitted during the election in 2002 that sometime during his early career he had financial difficulties. The Maryland Republican Party began paying Steele $5,000 a month in consulting fees shortly after his selection as gubernatorial candidate Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s running mate. Democrats said the payments raised ethical questions, specifically that it appeared the Republicans had "hired themselves a candidate". The Republican Party defended the payments by saying that Steele was hired to continue performing his duties as party chairman since his replacement was not prepared to take over yet. Steele admitted that his consulting business, formed in 1999, had been struggling, partly because many clients did not pay their bills.

Campaign contributions

In 2004, Steele accepted over $13,000 in campaign contributions from the board members of non-profit organizations shortly after Steele's office had directed $250,000 in unrestricted grants to those same groups. According to a 2006 Baltimore Sun investigation, ethics experts and campaign finance watchdogs viewed the financial transactions as questionable and warranting further scrutiny. ^[22] The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ...

He has also accepted contributions from Tony Rudy, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's (R) former top aide, who was convicted of accepting illegal contributions from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.^{[23] [24] [25]} Tony C. Rudy, with Ed Buckhams Alexander Strategy Group which shutdown January 9, 2006, served as Deputy Chief of Staff (and former counsel) to House Majority Leader Thomas D. DeLay (R-Texas) until 2001, when he took a job with Jack Abramoff. ... The Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives acts as the leader of the party that has a majority control of the seats in the house (at least 218 of the 435 seats). ... Thomas Dale DeLay (born April 8, 1947) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives from Sugar Land, Texas. ... Jack Abramoff (born February 28, 1958) is an American political lobbyist, a Republican political activist and businessman who is a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. ...

Ehrlich fundraiser

In July of 2005, Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich, a Republican, came under criticism for hosting a $1,000-a-head golf outing at a golf club, Elkridge Hunt Club, that has no minority members. Doug Duncan, Ehrlich's potential Democratic opponent in the 2006 gubernatorial elections, accused Ehrlich of "trying to divide us" and called for him to publicly apologize "for holding this event at a club that discriminates."^{[26] [27]} But Duncan did not issue similar public criticism towards Democrat Jim Smith, the Baltimore County Executive, for holding a fundraiser at that very same club. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... See also Government of Maryland External links Office of the Governor Bob Ehrlich on the Issues Ehrlich biography, from the Maryland Archives Categories: People stubs | Governors of Maryland | Members of the U.S. House of Representatives | Members of the Maryland House of Delegates | 1957 births ... GOP redirects here. ... Doug Duncan Douglas M. Duncan (born October 25, 1955) is a Democratic politician from Maryland who has served as County Executive of Montgomery County since 1994. ... The Maryland gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006. ... There are several famous people with the name Jim Smith, including: Jim Smith (manager), football (soccer) team Jim Smith (politician), former Attorney General of the United States Jim Smith (scientist), inventor of the Trace cache Jim Smith (animator), Texian animator and co-writer on The Ren and Stimpy Show Jim... The Baltimore County Executive is the highest elected official representing the government of Baltimore County, Maryland. ...

Lt. Governor Steele responded to the outcry by saying, "I don't know that much about the club, the membership, nor do I care, quite frankly, because I don't play golf." Adrienne A. Jones, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates, called Steele's dismissal of the controversy "a slap in the face of those of us who are African Americans." But like Mr. Duncan, she failed to show similar outrage at Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (a fellow Democrat) for holding a fundraiser there. ^[28] After two weeks, the controversy still persisted, leading Steele to say that his "initial reaction to this was a little more flippant than it should have been." ^[29]. The Maryland House of Delegates is the lower house of the General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. ...

Although Duncan and Jones, both Democrats, were vocally outraged over Ehrlich holding a fundraiser at the club because it had no minority members, they also failed to openly criticize Peter O'Malley, a senior aide to Mr. Smith and the brother of Democratic Mayor (now Governor) Martin O'Malley for holding his wedding reception at that very same club. Peter OMalley (born in December 12, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY) was the President and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. ...

Stem cell comparison

When discussing his position on embryonic stem cells before Jewish leaders on February 9, 2006, Steele compared the science with experiments performed on Jews during the Holocaust and with slavery. He said, "You of all folks know what happens when people decide they want to experiment on human beings...I know that as well in my community, out of our experience with slavery, and so I'm very cautious when people say this is the best new thing, this is going to save lives." Mouse embryonic stem cells with fluorescent marker. ... For other uses, see Jew (disambiguation). ... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Holocaust (disambiguation) and Shoah (disambiguation). ... Slave redirects here. ...

Art Abramson, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, criticized Steele for his remarks, rejecting the comparison "between ethical and lifesaving medical research, and the horrors committed by the Nazis in their evil drive to create a master race." ^[30] Steele was also criticized by his opponent in the 2006 U.S. Senate election, Congressman Ben Cardin, who is Jewish and a supporter of embryonic stem-cell research. ^[31] National Socialism redirects here. ... The master race (German: die Herrenrasse,  ) is a concept in Nazi ideology, which holds that the Germanic and Nordic people represent an ideal and pure race. It derives from nineteenth century racial theory, which posited a hierarchy of races placing African Bushmen and Indigenous Australians at the bottom of the... Benjamin Louis Ben Cardin (born October 5, 1943) is a Democratic member of the United States Senate representing the state of Maryland. ...

Steele later described his remarks as ill-advised, saying that he "made an unfortunate, irresponsible inference." ^[32] A subsequent poll in Maryland has found that by a margin of 73%-11% Maryland voters reject the notion that stem-cell research is unethical or comparable to Nazi experimentation. ^[33]

Deceiving Flyers

http://www.slate.com/id/2153432/entry/0/

See also

• Maryland U.S. Senate election, 2006
• Government of Maryland
• Lieutenant Governor of Maryland

The Maryland U.S. Senate election of 2006 will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. ... The Great Seal of Maryland The Flag of Maryland The Government of Maryland is conducted according to the Maryland Constitution. ... Current Lt. ...

Sources

• Mosk, Matthew, Washington Post, With Sarbanes Retiring, Senate Interest Simmers, March 28, 2005 ^[34].
• Green, Andrew A., The Baltimore Sun, Steele attracts strong support in Senate race, April 18, 2005 ^[35].
• The Baltimore Sun, Michael Steele Joins Presidential Delegation In Rome, April 23, 2005 ^[36].
• State of Maryland Office of Minority Affairs, MBE Commission, Feb. 27, 2004 ^[37].
• Ebrown, Russell Simmons and Michael Steele, April 24, 2005 ^[38].
• Maryland Republican Party, State Party Biography of Lt. Governor Michael S. Steele ^[39]

.* The Honorable Michael Steele ^[40].

• Stratton, LaShell, The Common Denominator, Mr. Steele goes to Annapolis: A D.C. kid really can grow up to be lieutenant governor, April 7, 2003 ^[41].
• Abruzzese, Sarah, Capital News Service, Steele joins U.S. papal delegation, April 23, 2005^[42].
• Nitkin, David, The Baltimore Sun, Steele calls on club to admit blacks, July 17, 2005^[43].
• Mosk, Matthew Washington Post Steele's Web Site Parades Democrats: Hoyer Wants Photo Removed; Mfume Also Pictured, July 11, 2006; B05 ^[44]

References

is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... ... The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ... Image:BBozell. ... Fox News redirects here. ...

External links

• FEC Campaign finance information for Michael Steele
• Steele's U.S. Senate campaign site
• Local Democratic Party response site
• Maryland state bio
• Maryland GOP bio
• Michael Steele on the Issues
• Text of Steele's speech to the 2004 GOP convention
• Text of a Feb. 2005 GOP interview with Steele
• Another February 2005 interview with C-SPAN's Brian Lamb.
• 17 Things about Michael S. Steele (from U.S. News and World Report).
• "Milking a story for all it's worth, media uncritically report crumbling allegation that Democrats threw Oreos at Steele", Media Matters for America, Nov 21, 2005.
• "Michael Steele Oreo Incident Eyewitness Report", Amy Ridenour, National Center for Public Policy Research blog
• Newsbusters.org Coverage of the coverage.
• "A botched hit piece"
• "GOP Fliers Apparently Were Part Of Strategy"
• Mother Jones article on campaign scandal

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