RNC chair was paid for speeches

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele drew bipartisan criticism Tuesday after it was revealed that he is giving paid speeches, at up to $20,000 apiece, while still holding his full-time post as party head.

The former Maryland lieutenant governor, who was elected chairman in January, has given a dozen speeches to corporate boards and colleges while collecting a salary of $223,500 as party leader, the Washington Times reported Tuesday.

Former RNC Chairman Richard Bond said he was “shocked” by the news, while White House spokesman Robert Gibbs joked about it at Tuesday’s briefing.

Curt Anderson, a longtime adviser to Steele, said the party chairman has long worked as an “inspirational speaker” and continued to do so after taking the RNC’s helm.