by David Nitkin
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele entered the race for U.S. Senate two years ago with a major push from President Bush and his allies.
National Republican leaders were looking to build their party's brand identity among African-Americans, touting Steele, Lynn Swann of Pennsylvania and Ken Blackwell of Ohio as part of a new breed of candidates who would help expand the GOP tent.
It was a tough sell in a post-Katrina environment. All three lost; Steele was defeated by Democrat Ben Cardin.
But Steele continues to stay near the spotlight, partly with help from his friends on Pennsylvania Avenue and elsewhere in Washington. Since his defeat, Steele has served as chairman of GOPAC, which recruits and trains Republican candidates for state and local office.
Today, Bush named Steele as part of a seven-member delegation heading to Tanzania next month to participate in a summit on economic and social development in Africa, the Leon H. Sullivan Summit VIII. Leading the delegation will be Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Read past the jump to see the other members of the delegation.
Steele recently told a Maryland political blog that he's interested in running for governor in 2010, if former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. decides against a rematch with Democratic incumbent Martin O'Malley.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Albuquerque, New Mexico)
____________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release May 27, 2008
President George W. Bush today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Arusha, Tanzania to attend the Leon H. Sullivan Summit VIII on June 2, 2008.
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior, will lead the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Mark A. Green, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania
The Honorable Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
The Honorable John A. Simon, Executive Vice President, Overseas Private Investment Corporation
The Honorable Michael S. Steele, Former Lieutenant Governor, Maryland
Chairman, GOPAC
Mr. Edward W. "Ward" Brehm III, Chairman, U.S. African Development Foundation
Ms. Melinda Doolittle, Singer
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Comments
Steele is nothing more than a bad used car salesman (GOP).
Posted by: John E | May 27, 2008 4:44 PM
Melinda Doolittle are fantastic singer i want to share the great new about her. She have big heart and also will released her first album at the end of the summer. New website to supporting her for her new album www.mdstreetteam.com
Posted by: Louise7 | June 22, 2008 11:59 AM