Michael Steele

Steele will make a difference To the editor: In reply to the Linda Campbell editorial from the Aug. 9, 2006, Herald-Mail ("Candidate hides in weeds"), one should realize that the distortion, leaks and bias against certain candidates are the "weeds. " For that very reason, Michael Steele has made the decision to answer the questionnaire from The Baltimore Sun, with his policies published on the Web site. For years, the print media has had its way - particularly in a blue state such as Maryland.

Lamptons to carry Steele message EDGEWATER, Md. - Lt. Gov. Michael Steele on Wednesday named Ed and Paula Lampton as Washington County leaders of his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes. Ed Lampton is a retired physician who served as president of the Washington County Medical Society from 1993 to 1996. Lampton received his M.D. at the University of Maryland and worked for the Association of Radiologists for 24 years. Paula Lampton has worked for Easter Seals and the Parent Child Center in Washington County.

For a fellow who wants to go the U.S. Senate, Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele doesn't seem overly awed by the institution - or the leadership of either major party. And, for someone who at times has been portrayed as the Republican Party's "get along, go-along" guy, in a Wednesday interview Steele seemed to have found a strong voice of his own. I asked the 47-year-old candidate these questions: Why do you want to be a U.S. Senator? "Because the U.S. Senate needs a voice that represents the people of Maryland and is prepared to work for them and listen to what they have to say," Steele said, adding that he'd heard plenty on the campaign trail.

HANCOCK Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and an entourage of state officials paid an afternoon visit to Washington County's westernmost municipality on Wednesday, visiting local parks and a business, and talking over municipal and economic issues with town officials and business owners. And while Steele and the four cabinet secretaries who accompanied him were quick to tout the policies of the current administration, not once, at least officially, was the word "election" mentioned.

HAGERSTOWN Most Maryland Republicans at the Lincoln Day Dinner Wednesday night were enthusiastic about their party's prospects going into the 2006 elections. Except for Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat. "It's tough," he said. "You'd be crazy not to admit it's tough. " Steele was the guest speaker at the dinner at the Four Points Sheraton in Hagerstown. About 250 guests attended the annual Republican dinner, said Paula Lampton, Washington County Republican Central Committee chairwoman.

A group of Washington County Public Schools educators met Gov. Robert Ehrlich and Lt. Gov. Michael Steele Tuesday, Feb. 14, while in Annapolis to attend a Maryland State Department of Education Maryland Initiative for New Teachers grant presentation (MINT). Rebecca Skrabak of Eastern Elementary School and Amy McKenzie of Fountain Rock Elementary School were awarded MINT grants.

WASHINGTON COUNTY andrews@herald-mail.com Local Republicans on Wednesday praised Lt. Gov. Michael Steele as a conservative of strong values and broad appeal, one day after he confirmed a long-standing rumor: He's running for the U.S. Senate. Steele, a Prince George's County Republican, formally announced Tuesday his intent to win the Senate seat now held by Democrat Paul Sarbanes. Nearing the end of his fifth six-year term, Sarbanes is not running again. Maryland's other senator, Barbara A. Mikulski, also is a Democrat.

Lt. Gov. Michael Steele will be a featured guest at a fundraiser for the Maryland Republican Party tonight in Williamsport, but that doesn't mean he'll be making any announcements there, according to Audra Miller, communications director for the state party. Speculation has been rampant that Steele would announce soon that he's going to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated next year by Sen. Paul Sarbanes, a Democrat. But while he's been named as a potential candidate for months, Steele hasn't yet made an official commitment.

karenh@herald-mail.com HAGERSTOWN - Facilities, funding, teachers and training all were addressed in testimony delivered Thursday before the Governor's Commission on Quality Education. For some members of the commission, the most important input came from students. "Know that you're involved in the most important work of your generation. Please keep it up, and please keep us informed," commission member Andy Smarick told a group of South Hagerstown High School students who spoke Thursday night at a hearing to gather public input about improving education.

andrews@herald-mail.com WASHINGTON COUNTY - He didn't cook, style hair or troubleshoot a computer, but Lt. Gov. Michael Steele interviewed and observed students who do Tuesday at Washington County Technical High School. Steele was in Hagerstown as part of an education fact-finding tour. Counting Tuesday's visit to the Technical High School, he has hit 20 of the state's 24 school systems, according to his itinerary. Gov. Robert Ehrlich in September created the Governor's Commission on Quality Education to study accountability, school-community links, best practices and early childhood programs.