Kendel Ehrlich knocks RNC spending under Steele

Former Maryland first lady Kendel Ehrlich is among those criticizing the spending practices of the Republican National Committee under the leadership of Michael S. Steele.

"Hopefully they're going to rein this is in and get on track," Kendel Ehrlich said during an appearance broadcast Sunday night on "Square Off," a talk show on WMAR, Baltimore's ABC affiliate.

Steele served as lieutenant governor under Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), who is set to announce a bid Wednesday to get his job back.

Kendel Ehrlich, one of four panelists on the local program, was asked what she thought about reports that the RNC had spent tens of thousands of donor dollars for luxe hotels, private jets and other questionable expenditures, including "meals" at a risque nightclub in West Hollywood.

"That's not a good use of people's money," Kendel Ehrlich told host Richard Sher. "That's not why they're giving to the party."

Asked if Steele should be ousted as RNC chairman, she said: "I don't know that this rises to that type of level." Kendel Ehrlich also suggested Steele deserves credit for what appears to be a promising 2010 election cycle for Republicans.

Sher told viewers that Kendel Ehrlich had been booked as a panelist before last week's confirmation by her husband that he is running for governor. The Ehrlichs co-host a weekly talk show on Baltimore's WBAL radio.

The former first lady said she had been "a proponent for quite some time" of her husband seeking a rematch with Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) but acknowledged "I'm pretty biased on this one."

"He's a process guy," Kendel said of Bob, "and he's sort of gone through the process, looked at the numbers, listened to the people, and believes this is a good environment, for Maryland, particularly."