Newspaper Article

Steele tries to patch up his ties to president

Skalka, Jennifer

2006

Overview

On Iraq, [Michael S. Steele] has said he advocates accelerating bringing U.S. troops home. He also has argued -- in line with Bush -- that the United States should not pull out until Iraqis can police and govern themselves. In the interview published this week, however, Steele stopped just short of calling the war a failure. In turn, Bush raised $500,000 for the lieutenant governor last fall. Vice President Dick Cheney, former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush, former White House chief of staff Andrew Card and presidential adviser Karl Rove are among the Bush loyalists who have headlined fundraisers for Steele's campaign. \"The Steele-Bush relationship is a fatal attraction, and Michael Steele knows it,\" said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Terry Lierman. \"Steele can't say no to Bush when it comes to Iraq, stem cells or millions in campaign cash. ... Steele should know that if there's one thing that Marylanders like less than Bush, it's politicians like Michael Steele who try to have it both ways.\"

• Publisher: Tribune Content Agency LLC
• Subject: Bush, Barbara / Candidates / First ladies / Hurricanes / Political parties / Presidents / Steele, Michael / Voters