Steele Selects New Manager

Lt. Gov. Michael Steele today named a new manager for his U.S. Senate bid, tapping a Republican operative from Maine who served as political director for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snow's successful campaign in 2000.

Michael Leavitt's first day on the Steele campaign was Tuesday. He replaces Graham Shafer, who left earlier this year amid a power struggle between the lieutenant governor's long-time advisers in Maryland and the national consultants who are helping run his campaign.

"Lieutenant Governor Steele is a proven leader committed to creating greater opportunity and empowerment for every Marylander. It is a privilege to join Michael Steele's team and to help build the strongest grassroots campaign in Maryland's history," Leavitt said in a statement.