Has Michael Steele just run out of lives as RNC chair?
NOTE: Two updates below:
I wonder whether this will finally be enough to force the Republicans to dump their embarrassment of a party chairman.
The Daily Caller writes about Michael Steele’s free-wheeling ways with party money, focusing on his use of private jets to ferry him about the country and his rather hefty hotel bills.
“According to federal disclosure records, the RNC spent $17,514 on private aircraft in the month of February alone (as well as $12,691 on limousines during the same period). There are no readily identifiable private plane expenses for Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine in the DNC’s last three months of filings.
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.”
An RNC chairman blowing two grand at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightspot featuring topless lesbian acts? In journalism, putting that sentence so far down in your story is called burying your lede. Sure, it’s only two thousand dollars, but it’s the kind of expenditure that can crystallize the discontent felt by many top Republicans about Steele.
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. Personally, I’m surprised Steele has managed to survive as long as he has.
Here’s how a review from Clubplanet.com describes the place:
“In Los Angeles, it takes a lot to shock and awe. When you walk into Voyeur on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, you might not be completely shocked at the almost naked women writhing on each other but you will undoubtedly be in awe.
Voyeur is an intimate space, provocative and sexy, sophisticated and interesting. Inspired by Eyes Wide Shut and London lounge, Annabelle’s of London, Voyeur transports you to a world of risqué sexuality and eroticism. In fact, even if you tried to escape looking at the naked women all around you, you would ultimately fail. But then again, why would you even try?
Of course the guests are sexy, but the walls are also lined with black and white pictures of beautiful naked girls from decades past while temptresses wearing nothing more than pasties and a black thong “stretch” on tables or in large glass boxes. Yes, the women don’t strip or show off their outdone go-go girl dance moves. Instead, they hold onto ropes on the walls and literally stretch, like yoga class but much sexier (and probably more naked).”
UPDATE:
“The RNC said in a statement Monday morning that it was investigating the Voyeur West Hollywood expenditure, which it said was “a reimbursement made to a non-committee staffer.” The committee also said it was requesting that the money be returned and emphasized that Steele was not at the event.
“The chairman was never at the location in question, he had no knowledge of the expenditure, nor does he find the use of committee funds at such a location at all acceptable,” the RNC statement said.”
For Steele personally, that distancing is no doubt useful. For Steele as chairman of the RNC, I’m not sure it’s going to help him much.
UPDATE II:
Washington (CNN) – A California-based political consultant who charged the Republican National Committee nearly $2,000 for a night out at Voyeur – a risque West Hollywood nightclub now at center of the latest controversy surrounding RNC chairman Michael Steele – will return the money to the party, a committee spokesman told CNN Monday.
Erik Brown, president of the Orange County-based Dynamic Marketing, Inc., was re-imbursed in February for $1,946.25 worth of charges at the nightclub, according to the RNC’s latest filing with the Federal Election Commission.
It’s not clear why the RNC re-imbursed Brown for the charges or who else was with him at the club. A spokesman for the RNC said Steele was not at the club when the charges were made.
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379 comments Add your comment
Tea Party Gossip
March 29th, 2010
11:39 am
I remember back in the good old days when a vote could be bought for a buck and tokens were a dime a dozen.
Road Scholar
March 29th, 2010
11:44 am
Republican values! Wonderful, ain’t it!?
Kamchak
March 29th, 2010
11:47 am
An RNC chairman blowing two grand at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightspot featuring topless lesbian acts?
It’s called research—The “fambly values” crowd must study the sins if their gonna be against (pun intended) it.
Bosch
March 29th, 2010
11:50 am
I’ll repost my completely off-topic random thought of the day with some minor changes:
Random Off-Topic Thought:
To all the whiners about the new health care law:
Doesn’t health insurance keep health care from abiding by free market rules? If you are truly concerned about health care and the price of it, shouldn’t the price of services be controlled by those who actually perform the service (health care providers) instead of insurance companies who do absolutley nothing for the direct care of patients? Isn’t that unnecessary intervention that goes directly against free market principles?
It seems to me, if you are truly a free-market kind of person, you’d want the abolishment of health insurance companies.
Carry on.
stands for decibels
March 29th, 2010
11:50 am
Here’s how a review from Clubplanet.com describes the place:
Not to sound like a Bookman-hater-troll thing, but dayum, it must be sheer hell having to “research” a piece like this!
Southern Comfort
March 29th, 2010
11:52 am
Thanks for the info on Voyeur, Jay. Then next time I’m in LA, I’ll have to check it out myself. I’ll do a little research for the blog to see if it’s really as racy as it sounds.
But let the RNC tell it, he’s probably in there holding voter registration drives or something.
joe matarotz
March 29th, 2010
11:53 am
Maybe Voyeur West Hollywood was the cheapest venue to hold the RNC meeting. After those staggering hotel bills, they had to trim costs somewhere. Who will be the first to claim this complaint is racially motivated?
Bosch
March 29th, 2010
11:53 am
“An RNC chairman blowing two grand at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightspot featuring topless lesbian acts?”
And, um, excuse me?
NowReally
March 29th, 2010
11:56 am
It’s only excessive spending if it’s 10% more than the prior RNC chair. Otherwise, it’s a none issue.
Jeb Bush / Lez Cheney 2012
March 29th, 2010
11:58 am
To Summarize, Steele is a goog one compared to Hussien:
During Obama’s failed Presidency (The record of the Obama years in office:)
-Worst Terrorist attack in American History (Xmas day Detroit bomber) CPAC -> Dick Cheney
-Implementing Communist Economic Policies -> Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Fox News
-Muslim, born in Kenya -> Lou Dobbs, CNN, MSNBC
-Nominated a ultra liberal Latina to the Supreme Court to destroy the Constitution -> Senator Orrin Hatch
-Anti Family, against the sanctity of Marriage, pro Homo -> Senator Vitter
-Obama added more National debt added than any previous President including Bush’s 8 years -> K. Rove
-Stimulus Bill to fight Obama created Recession and not 1 job created -> Senator Brown
-Bailing out lazy, shiftless Detroit autoworkers -> Bill Kristol, Gov Sarah Palin
-Islamic jihad sympathizers part of White House administration -> Congressman John Boehner, Rush Limbaugh, Lez Cheney
-Money to pay people to be unemployed -> Senator Bunning
-Penalizing hard working Wall Street Bankers -> Gov. Mitt Romney
-Attacking poor, hapless Japanese managers at Toyota for the sloppy, cr.. work of their american workers -> Senator Shelby
Now a failed HealthCare Summit…
So we’ll get ObamaCare with it’s Medical Death Panels and big jumps in our health care premiums, and a Government takeover of Medicare…
It is clear that Hussien needs to be removed by the Military and then the Supreme Court can appoint Jeb Bush President (circa 2000). Jeb is a family values guy, so we expect him to make Liz Cheney his VP, where she will fight to keep the Gays out of the Military!
By the way, Bunning & GOP are RIGHT! No more Wasteful money spent on lazy, stupid workers. My GrandPapa used to tell this rubbish “Get a Job BUM!”, when they would ask for money outside of his Factory back in the ’30s…
Contact your Congressman, do not allow the Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy to expire, it’s that important! Even if your homeless or lost your home – buck up and borrow a cell from someone to make this important call!
Kamchak
March 29th, 2010
11:58 am
But let the RNC tell it, he’s probably in there holding voter registration drives or something.
Waaaayyy ahead of you.
Also from the linked piece—Steele himself declined numerous interview requests, though his defenders point out that luxurious accommodations are sometimes necessary to attract big-time donors, especially since Republicans remain in the minority in Washington.
Southern Comfort
March 29th, 2010
12:00 pm
Jeb Bush / Lez Cheney 2012
March 29th, 2010
11:58 am
There should be an unwritten rule about hitting a doobie or bottle before noon.
Just sayin…
Peadawg
March 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
“I wonder whether this will finally be enough to force the Republicans to dump their embarrassment of a party chairman.”
In sure hope so. But talking about embarrassing, what about Pelosi and all the idiots who supported this “reform” bill thinking it would lower premiums.
USinUK
March 29th, 2010
12:02 pm
““An RNC chairman blowing two grand at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightspot featuring topless lesbian acts?””
outreach … outreach … outreach …
USinUK
March 29th, 2010
12:04 pm
Kam – 11:58 – yeah, because god knows, hotels don’t have special meeting rooms you can reserve … Steele actually had to take one for the team and STAY in a suite … oh! the pain!!!
Southern Comfort
March 29th, 2010
12:05 pm
Kamchak
Reading that reminds me that the GOP still champions fiscal responsibility. I guess it could be spun as a Steele-initiated GOP stimulus package. They’re gonna spend as much as they can so the American worker, such as those at Voyeur, will still have a job and be able to participate in our economy.
Jessica
March 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
Dang it man, I’m in shock. Not a “good old Republican” in a place like Voyeur. I mean, you have to be a Republican to know God right? Everybody can say what they want, I believe Steele was in that place to do one of four things (1) hold bible study, (2) host a voter registration drive (3) recruit quality candidates for November elections, or (4) explain Obama’s healthcare bill (clearly it will be needed by the workers and patrons alike. Yep, sarcasm intended!!!
cosmos
March 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
I like Mike right where he is. Boehner, Cantor and McConnell can’t stand him. He’s doing a great job for the family values party.
stands for decibels
March 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
There should be an unwritten rule about hitting a doobie or bottle before noon.
As someone who, like you(?), has worked a midnight-to-eight shift to pay the bills, I think the timing and subsequent appropriateness is all a matter of perspective.
Drain The Swamp (NIF)
March 29th, 2010
12:09 pm
A white journalist attacking a Black Leader.
Gosh, if Steele were only a Democrat, this would be racism.
Kamchak
March 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
…a Steele-initiated GOP stimulus package.
So many puns, so little time….
jewcowboy
March 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
Freaky Republicans…I don’t care what they do in their own bedroom but I find it offensive that they are trying to push their immoral lifestyle on us. Next thing you know they will be teaching bondage-themed topless lesbian sex imitation dance in our schools.
I think there should be a Federal Constitutional amendment barring such depraved and debauched lifestyle choices that being a Republican brings.
Jeb Bush / Lez Cheney 2012
March 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
Steele is a typical boy whoo spends to much on booze and women. At least he’s not President like his Kenyan born “brother”.
stands for decibels
March 29th, 2010
12:11 pm
No “Buns of” Steele thread would be complete without this video linkee:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-DQANalAe0
Drain The Swamp (NIF)
March 29th, 2010
12:11 pm
Jay
You really need to get your IT guys to check out your site. REALLY really rough this morning.
Have them check the Liberal BS filter. It is obviously in need of a good cleaning.
Michael Steele, Working HARD For the RNC | Reconstitution 2.0
March 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
[...] say this one will do him in. Jay Bookman of the AJC also thinks this ome might be “it.” I wonder whether this will finally be [...]
jefferson
March 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
Steele has the job of polishing turds, not a easy task.
USinUK
March 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
“Next thing you know they will be teaching bondage-themed topless lesbian sex imitation dance in our schools”
you say that like it’s a bad thing …
Aredee
March 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
Give the guy some slack. He was probably there to convert the girls to Jee-zus.
Rightwing Troll
March 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
Astounding!
Once again the “conservative” responses here seem to be “it doesn’t matter, now do as I say not as I do”.
So… if this Voyeur club were on Barney Frank’s expenses what would the local “conservatives” have to say about it?
Exactly what kind of clients or lobbyists was the RNC chairman entertaining or trying to attract? Should we refer to some of Andy’s rantings from the last couple of days about what is a true Conservative? I doubt most anybody in that club would pass the muster with those standars…
Jessica
March 29th, 2010
12:14 pm
@Drain, how is the writer attacking Steele. Steele put himself out there. This story is posted on line in so many different places. Now, I will be there first to come on this board and say I’m wrong if I’m wrong about what I’m about to say. I predict the Republicans will get rid of Steele, but not BEFORE November elections. They’re afraid of what their minority voters will think if they fired him right now. All 10 of their minority voters might stay home in November! However, the day after mid-term elections – Steele is gone!!
USinUK
March 29th, 2010
12:15 pm
RWT – “Once again the “conservative” responses here seem to be “it doesn’t matter, now do as I say not as I do”. ”
nah – the response is “but … but … but … Nancy Pelosi! but … but … but … Obama! but … but … but … healthcare!”
Steele for supports young Ho's
March 29th, 2010
12:15 pm
Republicans – We are against Healthcare Reform and unemployment insurance. No we know why. They Want to support your young ho’s (daughters) with jobs in strip clubs!
cosmos
March 29th, 2010
12:16 pm
May he was conducting a meeting with the C Street residents. You know Ensign, Sanford and such. Hey the bondage girls need to make a living too. He was just promoting jobs.
Rightwing Troll
March 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
Yeah, that too…
I don’t know how it’s possible to lose what you don’t have, but even more lost credibility…
George Foreman 3:16
March 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
It is as it was…..
Jeb Bush Lez Cheney 2012
March 29th, 2010
12:19 pm
Stop attacking this boy. Just keep him away from the white women.
Tea Party Gossip
March 29th, 2010
12:21 pm
Freaky Republicans…I don’t care what they do in their own bedroom but I find it offensive that they are trying to push their immoral lifestyle on us. Next thing you know they will be teaching bondage-themed topless lesbian sex imitation dance in our schools.
And even that would not be so bad were it not at taxpayer’s expense.
cosmos
March 29th, 2010
12:21 pm
Jessica, you are right. Steele is gone after the elections. They don’t like him anyway. I’m sure that Hannity will be criticizing him harshly on Faux tonight.
In Tune
March 29th, 2010
12:22 pm
Have them check the Liberal BS filter.
The BS filter is working just fine.
Haywood Jablome
March 29th, 2010
12:23 pm
they’re running out of tokens
JohnnyReb
March 29th, 2010
12:24 pm
Just so there is no misunderstanding, I’m a card carrying Republican both National and State, so this post is not intended as misleading. The problem with Steele is not his spendthrift ways or ignorance on hiding costs of less than attractive forays. Instead, he needs to go becasue the party is fractured. I believe most conservatives will agree the “Big Tent” philosphy has to go for us to boot out Obama. We can’t win trying to accommodate the fence setters. Either you like conservatisim and are against progressives, or not. Trying to accommodate everyone cost us the last election. Steele is not fixing this problem.
jefferson
March 29th, 2010
12:25 pm
I think Palin would be a most excellent replacement, her cheers are better than his cheers.
Michael
March 29th, 2010
12:26 pm
Yep more Republican “Family Values” on display. When will people realize the GOP is BS through and through?
cosmos
March 29th, 2010
12:26 pm
jefferson, do you mean at the bondage club or the RNC?
Southern Comfort
March 29th, 2010
12:26 pm
dB
I didn’t think of it that way. It’s always 5 pm somewhere.
No matter what, it will be interesting to see how the GOP responds, if it does at all, to what’s being discussed in that article.
NIF
Had Jay or the author of the original piece said that Steele traveled in that style because of his race, then that might raise a flag towards the race card. However, this does cast a shadow over the leader of the RNC when the GOP proclaims themselves as the party of fiscal responsibility. If he has just cause for those expenses, then the article is moot. I know enough about the airline industry that if you’re working with tight deadlines for multiple appearances, commercial flight isn’t always a viable option.
Drain The Swamp (NIF)
March 29th, 2010
12:27 pm
Jessica
**@Drain, how is the writer attacking Steele. **
That doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter for the dims so why should it matter to the Republicans. Any excuse to scream “RACISM” is al it takes, right?
I think Steele is planing on walking the gauntlet on the UC Berkley Campus and then he plans on complaining about all the racist remarks that was thrown at him that no camera mics or reporter every heard.
No wait. Nobody is dumb enough to buy that one.
jefferson
March 29th, 2010
12:27 pm
I want to here her go “Two Bits….”
Tea Party Gossip
March 29th, 2010
12:27 pm
I think Palin would be a most excellent replacement, her cheers are better than his cheers.
She also has better pom poms.
Drain The Swamp (NIF)
March 29th, 2010
12:29 pm
SoCo
**Had Jay or the author of the original piece said that Steele traveled in that style because of his race, then that might raise a flag towards the race card**
Hey, when you start injecting reason and forethought, the politics go out the window.
The democrats get to scream racism every single day and they only need a microphone. You start setting the standards for racism to be actual reason and the dims will start losing every single election.