GOPAC Chair Steele talks KY-3 in advance of fundraiser appearance

GOPAC Chair and former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele told PolitickerKY.com today that former U.S. Rep Anne Northup's (R-Louisville) bid to regain the 3rd Congressional District seat in Kentucky was a major target for national Republicans.

"It's a big priority, otherwise I wouldn't be coming in, suffice it to say," said Steele.

Steele will be in Louisville on Wednesday to headline a lunch-hour fundraiser for Northup at the Seelbach Hotel.

"Her race is one people look at very closely to see how that part of the country is feeling and views national trends," Steele added. "For her to come back strong bodes well for the future of the country."

Northup faces U.S. Rep John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) in a rematch of her 2006 loss. The race is targeted by both the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Recent public polling by SurveyUSA showed Yarmuth up seventeen points over Northup, while a Northup internal poll put the Republican back seven points.

Steele said Northup was in for a tough race against Yarmuth, given those numbers and the national climate, but noted he expected a close race as the November election approaches.

"These are early numbers, and she is now running against and incumbent member of Congress," said Steele. "And you have to factor in some of the brand issues Republicans have nationally...As the campaign kicks into high gear, we should see those numbers tighten."

"The race is going to be like most of the Republican races this year: very much a challenge, but one Republicans in the 3rd District can meet," Steele told PolitickerKY.com.

Steele currently chairs GOPAC, a Republican political action committee focused on recruiting and training candidates for state and local races. He previously served as Lieutenant Governor in Maryland - the first African-American to serve in statewide office there.

In 2006, Steele sought to transition from that position to the U.S. Senate, winning the Republican nomination in Maryland. He lost in the general election for the U.S. Senate to Democratic then-U.S Rep Ben Cardin (D-Maryland).

With a shared history of a 2006 with Northup, Steele said her defeat that year should not be viewed as a referendum against her.

"I don't think that was a reflection of the voter's views on Anne. It was national disenchantment with the Republican Party. Anne has the opportunity to come back and re-engage voters," said Steele.

"She took it on the chin in 2006, like most us did, but she will be back strong," Steele added. "Every election is about change, but Anne can make this one about change wrapped in substance."

Steele described himself as a "personal friend," of Northup's and noted he hoped his visit to Kentucky would "draw attention to someone who is not just a notable leader but a consistent leader."

With other prominent races in the state - such as the open 2nd Congressional District race between state Senators David Boswell (D-Sorgho) and Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green) - Steele also said his organization and other national Republicans would likely continue to pay attention to Kentucky and noted he may be back in the near future.

ALSO on PolitickerKY.com:

• Speaker Pelosi in Louisville with Yarmuth on Saturday
• Steele to headline fundraiser for Northup in KY-3