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Steele Slammed for $20K Speaking Fees

Predecessor in RNC post says his job 'is to give speeches'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2009 7:44 AM CST
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(Newser) – Michael Steele’s been lining his own pockets with speaking fees of up to $20,000, capitalizing on his RNC chairmanship in a way past chairmen haven’t—and those past chairmen don’t approve. “Holy mackerel, I never heard of a chairman of either party ever taking money for speeches,” Regan-era RNC chair Frank Fahrenkopf tells the Washington Times. “The job of a national chairman is to give speeches. That’s what the national party pays him for.”

The committee pays Steele $223,500, and it’s a full-time job says, another former RNC chair. “You can work 24/7 and not get everything done, so taking time out to speak for the benefit of one's own bank account is not appropriate,” he said. But an RNC spokesman says the controversy is “silly,” because Steele “has been giving inspirational speeches based on his personal story long before he was elected RNC chairman.”

Republican national committee chairman Michael Steele speaks at the annual Indiana GOP state dinner in Indianapolis, Wednesday, July 8, 2009.
Republican national committee chairman Michael Steele speaks at the annual Indiana GOP state dinner in Indianapolis, Wednesday, July 8, 2009.   (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
WHSteinlauf1
Dec 24, 2009 9:39 AM CST
I am not surprised! Despite repeated attempts to contact Chairman Steele OR his staff, all I ever receive is more email and US mail solicitations asking money for a "party" that - in my view - is no longer accountable or responsive to true Republicanism. I maintain my membership in the party SOLELY to preserve my primary voting rights. Very Sad!
Shannonals
Dec 23, 2009 4:49 AM CST
Not one for the owrd, "token", but I do agree they are using Steele so the RNC doesn't come off racist toward the president. There is no other explanation for Stelle being appointed RNC Chairman as soon as the POTUS locked the nomination.
AdaptAndOvercome
Dec 23, 2009 4:36 AM CST
Sidewinder, I know you want to forget that your party elected a token black man to make them seem like the party of blacks, but he's as white on the inside and greedy as the rest of your party. Hypocrits with no solutions. Keep him. Barack "Barry" Obama is the "real" thing. Ideas and solutions.

 
RNC • Michael Steele • speaking fee • Republican National Committee

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