WBAL AM

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele says the Republican Party needs to get out of its comfort zone and reach out to more people who haven’t been traditionally Republican.

Steele is making a bid to become the next chairman of the Republican National Committee. He took part in a debate on Monday with five other men who want the job.

Steele, who was the first black candidate ever elected to a statewide position in Maryland, says Republicans need to make an effort to embrace more black and Hispanic voters.

Steele was state chairman of the Maryland Republican Party from 2000 to 2002. He was the state’s lieutenant governor from 2003-2007. In November 2006, he lost a bid for the U.S. Senate.

The 168 members of the RNC will vote on Jan. 28 and 29 to choose a chairman for the next two years.