Michael Steele, Call Me Irresponsible

Other records give no indication of additional sources of sizable family income.  Mr. Steele’s book, “Right Now: A 12-Step Program For Defeating The Obama Agenda,” was published by Regnery, a publisher where large advances are not likely.  The book is currently listed on Amazon as its 495,199^th best seller, meaning nearly half a million books in their inventory are selling better than his tome.

In recent days RNC Treasurer Randy Pullen claimed that Chairman Steele had concealed large amounts of debt from him and the public. Hiding this amount, over $7 million, made the cash-on-hand situation of the RNC appear much better than it actually was.

This is not the first time that Chairman Steele and the RNC have been accused of financial improprieties.  Earlier this year the RNC reimbursed an individual for almost $2,300 for expenses incurred at a sex-themed club in West Hollywood named Voyeur.  Last year the RNC’s finance reports revealed that the RNC had spent almost $22,000 on an interior decorator, $18,500 of which was for “improvements to the chairman’s office.” Why did the Chairman’s office need to be redecorated?  Apparently, among other things, Steele thought it was “way too male for me.”

So it appears that the Chairman is just as bad at managing the finances of the RNC as he is at managing his personal finances.  And this isn’t the first time that Steele has made personal financial decisions that raise questions either.  In 2001, foreclosure proceedings were begun against Steele on another house he owned (Burson v. Steele, No. CAE01-13753, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, 2001). In 2002, another civil action was filed against Steele seeking $11,846.88.  That case was voluntarily dismissed later (Citibank South Dakota NA v. Steele, No. 050200362982002, District Court for Prince George’s County, 2002).

All of this reveals a pattern of financial mismanagement going back many years.  Either Steele is living beyond his means or cannot keep his accounts in order, or both, and he seems to have infected the RNC with these bad fiscal habits.  These are not sought after qualities for the head of the National Committee of the party of fiscal discipline. It’s time for Steele to move on and let someone who CAN handle finances step into the job.

Don Todd is Director of Research for Americans for Limited Government.  He previously served as Director of Research for the Republican National Committee under Chairman Frank J. Fahrenkoph, Jr., Chairman Lee Atwater, and Chairman Haley Barbour.