A top House Republican aide, Michael Steel, is joining the all-but-launched presidential campaign of Jeb Bush in Miami.
The primary spokesman for Speaker John Boehner, Steel will join the communications team at Right to Rise, the political action committee that is housing Bush political aides ahead of a formal launch expected this summer. Politico first reported the move.
“Ask anyone in the Capitol – Republican, Democrat, or otherwise — about Michael Steel, and they will tell you the same thing: he is a pro’s pro,” Boehner said in a statement. “For more than seven years, I have relied on his ability to dissect an issue, win a debate, and deal openly and honestly with the press.”
Boehner has not endorsed in the presidential race, but said last year that he had been “nudging” Bush to run for president and has spoken favorably of his “competence.”
Steel joins an already hefty communications shop for the former Florida governor, which includes former Republican National Committee aide Tim Miller and longtime Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell.