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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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7

RNC Chief Sacks Staff; Feds Probe His 2006 Race

Steele accused of misusing 2006 campaign funds

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(Newser) – New RNC chief Michael Steele is quickly making headlines, but not exactly of the good-news sort. The Post reports that he's laid off practically all of the RNC staff, a not-too-startling development given the GOP's big election losses, but one that forces him to start from scratch as the party tries to hold its own against the Obama administration. Steele also is facing allegations of financial shady business related to his 2006 Senate race.

His finance chairman from that campaign—seeking leniency on unrelated charges—told federal agents that Steele used campaign cash to pay for services never rendered by his sister’s business. A Steele rep said agents had contacted his sister but called the charges nonsense. “It's from, what, a convicted felon? And it has no substantiation in fact,” he said.

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, center, is congratulated by supporters after being elected the first black Republican National Committee chairman, Jan. 30, 2009 in Washington.
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, center, is congratulated by supporters after being elected the first black Republican National Committee chairman, Jan. 30, 2009 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele speaks after being elected Republican National Committee chairman Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 in Washington.
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele speaks after being elected Republican National Committee chairman Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Michael Steele, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.
Michael Steele, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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7 comments
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Doctor_Zaius
Feb 7, 09 10:58 AM CST
Financial shady business related to his 2006 Senate race? Well as long as he didn't make a mistake on his taxes I'm sure it will all be just fine since that's the only thing we care about now. Reply
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Mr.C
Feb 7, 09 1:26 PM CST
youv'e said that 2x now. On both cases we do care. You could probably pick up that hit by the fact that there are news stories on them.
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DeniseVB
Feb 7, 09 12:31 PM CST
That didn't take long. I'm sure every other political war chest has some creative charges and payments too. Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Feb 7, 09 2:59 PM CST
Sorry, it's called sarcasm. I realize some people aren't smart enough to get it. From now on when I'm being sarcastic I will put (Sarcasm) at the end of my statements for the thick headed. (Sarcasm) Reply
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riffran
Feb 8, 09 1:49 AM CST
And of course this will get much more media in proportion than say ...pretty much anything that has to do with the dems...if there is the least bit of a chance of ignoring it...I aint defending steele, and if he is dirty I hope he gets what he deserves, but you know anything that looks good to the conservative side will be spun then bashed and trashed without remorse, by the MSM Reply
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