Biography of Michael Steele

This politician, also happens to be the first African-American to have served as the Lieutenant Governor in Maryland. In the United States, Michael Steele along with Jennette Bradley, hold the distinction of being the highest ranked, elected Republicans among the black community.

Early Years

Born in Prince George's County, Maryland, Micheal Steele as an infant, was adopted by Maebell and William Steele. After the death of William, Maebell tied the knot with John Turner. Michael along with his sister Monica Turner spent his childhood in a racially dominated neighborhood of Petworth, in Washington, D.C. "Archbishop Carrol", in Washington, D.C. was a Roman Catholic school that Michael attended as a child. In school he took keen interest in drama production and was actively involved in staging plays. His immense popularity, led him to being elected as the Student Council President, in his senior year. His hard work, won him a scholarship to "John Hopkins University". Although he struggled here academically, he earned a bachelor's degree in 'international relations'.

After completing his graduation, Steele joined the "Order of St. Augustine", where he spent 3 years as a seminarian, in preparation of becoming a priest. At the "Augustinian Friars Seminary", in Pennsylvania, he shared his knowledge on senior economics with freshers. He decided to leave the seminary before taking his vows. He completed his degree in law from "Georgetown University". He used his knowledge on financial investments, and worked with underwriters. He worked for Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton a law firm, before forming a legal consulting firm, the "Steele Group".

Growth in Politics

Although he was raised in a family of Democrats, Steele grew up to join the Republican party. Soon after joining this party, and becoming the chairman, he founded the "Republican Leadership Council". In the year 1995, he was titled as "Republican Man of the Year", for the state of Maryland, by the Republican Party. He actively took part in several political campaigns. He was a delegate in the "Republican National Convention", held in Philadelphia, in 2000. Even though the state of Maryland was traditionally a Democrat stronghold, the 2002 general elections went in favor of the Republicans. Micheal Steele became lieutenant governor in January, 2003.

Steele's popularity grew steadily over the years. He gained national prominence for his abilities, as a public speaker, and had a cult-following among African Americans. On October 25, 2005, Steele made a formal announcement about standing for the elections of the U.S. Senate, which he lost to Benjamin L Cardin on November 7, 2006. In the month of February, 2007, Michael Steele took up the seat of chairman of GOPAC, a Republican training organization, that helps and funds national and state campaigns.

Allegations On Misuse Of Funds

During plea negotiations with federal prosecutors, Alan B. Fabian, a former finance chairman claimed, Steele had used the campaign money of the 2006 U.S. Senate, to help his sister's company that ceased to exist. On February 7, 2009, Micheal Steele through a spokesperson announced that the payments to his sister were made keeping the federal laws of the state in mind.

Known for his humble nature, Michael Steele remains rooted to the political scene. True to his Christian faith, he leads a spiritual life, taking part in the activities at St Marys Catholic Church and attending Sunday services with his wife and children.