Rumors are swirling that Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is on the short list for John McCain’s VP running mate. US News and World Report lists a number of things you may not know about Steele.

Steele’s devout Catholicism is one of the most noted facts about the potential running mate.

One of the first in his family to go to college, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Steele also spent a few years at the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University, in preparation for the priesthood, before deciding instead on a career in civil service.
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A devout Catholic, Steele is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Md. He regularly attends services with his wife, Andrea, and their sons, Michael and Drew.

PolitickerMD.com headlines a report on Steele’s prospects by informing readers that Steele is “Really, Really, Catholic.” The really really is notable in itself. We are just not used to Catholic politicians actually being Catholic. Just by virtue of being a serious Catholic, you need to distinguish him from the Catholics in name only. Hence the really really.

I have no idea how serious Steele’s prospects may be, but it is an interesting thought. I don’t think that Steele’s pigment will pull one single vote away from Obama. However, having a serious pro-life conservative on the ticket may shore up any lingering weakness with conservatives and pro-lifers McCain may have while simultaneously insulating him from potential charges of racism if things get a little rough during the campaign. Interesting.

Keep an eye on Michael Steele.