As expected, Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele announced yesterday that he will run for the US Senate seat left open by the retirement of Democrat Paul Sarbanes. In a speech given little attention by the media, Steele highlighted his personal success story as a motivator for his efforts in politics:

Steele, 47, launched his campaign Tuesday with a 20-minute speech, evoking lessons he learned growing up in a poor household that he said was "rich in turning hope into action."

I think Steele has a big future in the GOP, but he has to win this race to fully realize it. His ability to command an audience, combined with his relaxed and warm public persona and grasp of public policy show flashes of both Ronald Reagan and freshman Senator Norm Coleman. Kweisi Mfume may not admit it, but Steele could certainly peel enough of the African-American vote to make the difference in a general election, especially if the Democrats wind up sending someone other than Mfume to oppose him there; Mfume is the only black Democrat running in a primary field of six candidates, while Steele has the field all to himself on the GOP side.

Look for Steele to use the primary to introduce and define himself to Maryland voters while the Democrats eat each other alive. If Steele faces Mfume, it might be a close election, but if he squares off against anyone else, he should win handily.

Has anyone heard from Chuck Schumer's office recently about Steele's credit score?

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