Republican U.S. Senate nominee Rand Paul of Kentucky caused a national blow-up when he equivocated on whether or not he supported that Civil Rights Act and its prohibition on private businesses from discriminating. So naturally we wondered what RNC Chairman Michael Steele  thought of Paul's musings. He was in town to tout the 2012 GOP convention in Tampa.

"I heard something to that effect when I got off the plane and have not really focused on what exactly what was said, except to the extent that I understand that he has clarified his voice on that," Steele said. 

"Certainly the Republican Party has a long-standing history with the civil rights movement and its promotion of the civil liberties and rights of every American citizen. That has not changed and will not change, certainly not under my leadership. We are focused as never before on embracing and reaching out to as many folks who want to be a part of this Republican family. I’m looking forward to the opportunity through this convention and what we do between now and then in continuing to build those bridges.

"I’m sure that the nominee for the Senate from Kentucky is out there right now making sure that everyone knows where he stands, and I think he stands with the party on that issue, in supporting not only the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and all efforts by leadership to promote opportunities for people, regardless of race creed, color or background."  

Bill Varian, Times staff writer

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