RNC’s Steele defends record; Attributes criticism to ‘unamed Republicans’ who don’t like him

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RNC chairman defends stewardship of party affairs

WASHINGTON — Republican Party chairman Michael Steele is defending his record and dismissing insider criticism as the discomfort some have with his “streetwise” manner of doing things.

Steele tells ABC’s “Good Morning America” he’s responding to concerns about RNC spending and says he was “very angry” about the $2,000 the party spent for a night at a sex-themed Hollywood party.

Steele also says the RNC had $8 million left over in its budget after the elections last year.

Some leading congressional Republicans have criticized his style but have stopped short of calling for his ouster. Steele attributed his problems to “unnamed Republicans who don’t like me.”