In this Aug. 31, 2004, file photo Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, the deputy permanent chairman of the Republican National Convention, speaks in New York. About Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the now former Lt. Gov. says, "As an African American, I'm very proud of his accomplishment. It speaks well to his abilities and tenacity to forge ahead, and it speaks well for the country. Having said all of that, come November I will do everything in my power to defeat him." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Read Article