Michael Steele Announces Run for U.S. Senate
BY Karen Cross

Pro-life Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele has announced that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring pro-abortion Sen. Paul Sarbanes. Sen. Sarbanes, a Democrat, has held the seat since 1976.

In 2003 Steele, a Republican, became the first African American elected to statewide office in Maryland. Currently, he is the only African American lieutenant governor in the United States.

In announcing his candidacy October 25, Steele said, "This is a step that I do not take lightly." He told the crowd that the decision came "after much soul-searching and more than a little bit of prayer."

Steele acknowledged that "I know this road will not be easy, because change is never easy." He added, "But I draw strength from you and from the words of Pope John Paul II who said 'Be Not Afraid!'"

The prospect of an open Senate seat has generated intense interest among Democrats as well. All the Democratic candidates being mentioned are pro-abortion.

Michael Steele earned his bachelor's degree in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University in 1981. In 1991, he earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Steele spent three years in preparation for the priesthood in the order of St. Augustine.

Lt. Governor Steele is married to Andrea and they have two sons, Michael and Drew.