RNC fires finance chief and deputy

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

The Republican National Committee’s finance director and his deputy were forced out Friday as the organization still reels from reimbursements for donors to attend a lesbian bondage-themed nightclub in Los Angeles.

RNC chief of staff Michael Leavitt sent e-mail to committee members telling them of the changes in the fund-raising department and promising a strong strategy heading into crucial midterm elections in November. A replacement for finance director Rob Bickhart and deputy Debbie LeHardy was to be announced soon.

The finance team’s ouster came late on Friday as the RNC prepared for a major meeting with its state party chairmen next week. The RNC became a late-night joke, and questions arose about chairman Michael Steele’s tenure after financial reports showed lavish spending, including almost $2,000 for a night at a sex-themed nightclub.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.