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RNC Chief Sacks Staff; Feds Probe His 2006 Race

Steele accused of misusing 2006 campaign funds

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 7, 2009 10:52 AM CST
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Guest
Feb 9, 2009 4:42 AM CST
Didn't take long and smart move on Steele's part -- good move to make sure he runs the show and is not run by someone else.
sache
Feb 8, 2009 11:11 PM CST
Steele's finance chairman from his campaign called the feds. Are the feds offering something if he takes Steele down? Is there a remote chance the charges are true? I don't know much about Steele, does someone have it in for the man?The fact he laid off practically the entire RNC staff didn't win him any friends and from what i have read the ultra conservatives don't like him. David Duke among others did an attack article on the new RNC leadership. I'm not sure they would have much sympathy for Michael Steele's predicament. Steele seems to be finding out the hard way ,you cannot lead people where they don't want to go. A lot of ultra conservative RNC members fall into this category. Why did he want this job? Is he a maochist? Before anyone starts screeming , i am just making an observation. I have no ideological bone to pick.
riffran
Feb 8, 2009 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

More on the layoffs
New York Times

Don't expect much from new RNC
Real Clear Politics

 
RNC • layoffs • campaign finance • political scandal • Michael Steele • Republican Party Chairman

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