The Daily Caller has a story up today about Michael Steele looking into buying a private jet for the RNC. However, one sentence in the story has set off the blogosphere into massive discussion.
The Daily Caller: […] The RNC explains that Steele charters jets only when commercial service is unavailable, or when his tight schedule requires it. “Anytime the chairman has taken any private travel has been a either to a route that doesn’t exist or because of connections and multiple travel to where he just wasn’t able to do so,” Heye said. Yet Steele’s office repeatedly refused to explain in specific terms the circumstances of the February charter flights.
Once on the ground, FEC filings suggest, Steele travels in style. A February RNC trip to California, for example, included a $9,099 stop at the Beverly Hills Hotel, $6,596 dropped at the nearby Four Seasons, and $1,620.71 spent [update: the amount is actually $1,946.25] at Voyeur West Hollywood, a bondage-themed nightclub featuring topless women dancers imitating lesbian sex. […]
The way the story is written it gives the impression that it was Steele who ran up the charge at the nudie bar. The RNC was quick to fight back this notion and claims the charge was made by a staffer. Allahpundit at Hot Air identifies the culprit of the charge as Erik Brown.
Hot Air: Erik Brown, who owns Dynamic Marketing Inc. and most recently charged the Steve Poizner for Governor campaign more than $10,000 for campaign literature and mailings, was reimbursed by the RNC for the almost $2,000 in charges at Voyeur West Hollywood, according to FEC filings and online reports reviewed by The Daily Caller…
The RNC has denied that Steele spent the money at Voyeur. But it appears Brown is close to the chairman. In October, Brown wrote on Twitter, “Enjoying the football game with RNC Chairman Michael Steele. (Eagles vs Redskins at FedEx Field)”.
Allahpundit asks the big question, why did the RNC allow the charge in the first place!
Although Steele is not guilty of making the charge, the story gives me pause. The outcome of the 2010 and 2012 elections are as serious as a heart attack. Reading about how the RNC allowed such charges in the first place makes you wonder if these guys are ready to bring their A-Game to fighting Obama’s agenda. Both Steele and the RNC seem to still be stuck with a 2008 mentality.
Michael Steele should be focusing on finding and supporting serious common sense conservatives for the midterm elections and beyond. Instead Steele seems to be spending a lot of time and money on self-promotion, with TV appearance and book promotions. Just a few weeks ago, I spied Steele on MSNBC. Does Steele think that by going on a far left station with a puny audience is the best way to spread the conservative message? Methinks not. Get it together my brother or step aside for those who can.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Daily Caller
Via: National Review
Via: Hot Air
Posts
4 comments:
I agree Clifton, where are the priorities? And yes, why did the RNC approve this? Your comment about the RNC's 2008 mentality makes me think of the pre/post 2001 mindset. They need to be thinking post-2008 election and it seems they are too comfortable. This is another reason we stopped contributing to the RNC and give to organizations like Heritage.
At 61, I'm sort of an antique, but I'm truly delighted that so many people are getting involved, paying attention and deciding that something is rotten in the state of Denmark........make that D.C., individual states and local government.
Politics should be a part time job..... actually, it already is with enormous long term benefits.
Slam on the brakes.
Lisa, An American Mom:
I closed my wallet to the RNC long time ago. I would much rather spend my money on individual candidates that have proven themselves. Let the RINOs and playboys starve for cash.
Janelle:
I too am happy that people are focusing on politics once again. So much of the trouble we are in is because we allowed government to run on auto-pilot. Those days are over!
Post a Comment