Michael Steele: Shopaholic?

The GOP chairman is reportedly blowing the party's war chest on limousines, private jets, and catering — and big donors are furious

Michael Steele: Will his big spending erode the GOP's chances of taking back the House this fall?
(Image credit: Corbis)

With Republicans in a strong position to capture the House in November, it's no wonder party donors are infuriated by reports that GOP chairman Michael Steele is blowing the GOP war chest on private jets, limousines, flowers, and catering by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. One longtime Republican fundraiser has told Politico: "Michael Steele is an imperial chairman," living like a king "by using other people's money." While the gaffe-prone Steele has already survived a string of scandals, some commentators say his alleged spending spree may be the last straw for a party that's trying to reclaim the mantle of fiscal responsibility:

Throw Steele out, now: Of course GOP donors are ticked off at Steele's "absolutely outrageous" fiscal irresponsibility, says Meredith Jessup in Townhall. I am, too. His "lousy leadership" is endangering conservative candidates in an important election year, and if Steele keeps his job after this, we'll know "the Republican establishment is still clueless."

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