WASHINGTON — Democratic groups tried Tuesday to make a campaign issue out of news that the national Republican Party spent $1,946 at a sex-themed California nightclub, but GOP activists said party chairman Michael Steele will weather the hubbub.
The Republican National Committee fired a staffer who helped organize the Jan. 31 visit to Voyeur Hollywood West, which features topless dancers, bondage outfits and erotic themes. It said it will recoup the money from a donor who paid the tab and was reimbursed by the party on Feb. 4.
The episode raises new questions about Steele’s oversight of the RNC. But party officials said Steele knew nothing of the nightclub visit by a group of young Republicans, which was listed in a federally required financial- disclosure report, and they promised to tighten accounting practices.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pressed numerous GOP candidates to say whether Steele should remain as head of the NRC. But Republican activists predicted the matter would blow over soon.
“I don’t think there’s going to be anyone who wants to challenge him,” said Washington- based consultant John Feehery, who has advised several GOP candidates and officeholders. Steele generally has done a good job of catering to the needs of RNC members, Feehery said.
