Lt. Gov. Steele Considers Running for Senate

In the Democratic column, the race has already attracted two major candidates, Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin and former NAACP head Kweisi Mfume, both of Baltimore. Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County is exploring a bid and has said he will announce his intentions next month.

Joshua Rales, a wealthy Montgomery County businessman, is also considering entering the field, and A. Robert Kaufman, a perennial candidate from Baltimore has joined the Senate race.

Steele did not provide a specific timetable for deciding whether to make his bid official. There was some confusion today about one aspect of Steele's activities: fundraising.

Asked by a reporter if he plans to start raising money for a Senate bid, Steele replied "absolutely," adding: "That's very much a part of this effort as well."

Federal Election Commission guidelines, however, prohibit candidates who are "testing the waters" from raising more than is "reasonably" needed to cover such costs as polling and traveling. Those who plan to start fundraising in earnest are required to register a campaign committee with the FEC.

Dan Ronayne, the NRSC spokesman who was assisting Steele today, said one goal Steele has for his exploratory bid is "getting a handle on how much it will cost to run a competitive campaign."

If Steele moves forward with a Senate bid, Ehrlich will be required to find a new running mate next year. Steele said he will be very committed to Ehrlich's reelection, regardless of what office he is seeking himself.

"The governor's my homeboy," Steele said. "I'm always going to take care of my homeboy."