Democrats got Steele's credit report

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Two members of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have resigned after admitting they obtained Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele's credit report.

Phil Singer, a spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), said the two staffers told committee officials in July what they had done. He said the committee began an internal investigation and determined it was an isolated incident.

"The DSCC immediately ensured that Mr. Steele's credit report was not used or disseminated to anyone," Mr. Singer said, "It also reported this incident to the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C."

He said the employees, who were not identified, were cooperating with authorities.

A source familiar with the investigation said the employees were "senior staff" members in the research department of the DSCC.

"While the DSCC did not authorize the employees to access Mr. Steele's credit report, we regret that this incident occurred and apologize to Mr. Steele," Mr. Singer said.

Mr. Steele's chief of staff, Paul Ellington, said the lieutenant governor had been made aware of the incident.

"This is a serious legal issue, and a criminal investigation is under way," Mr. Ellington said last night. "We have been advised by the FBI to not comment and will honor their request."

Mr. Steele, a Republican, in June announced the formation of an exploratory committee for his run for the U.S. Senate after Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes in March announced he would not seek a sixth term.

State and national Republican Party leaders, including President Bush and Sen. Elizabeth Dole, North Carolina Republican and chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have pressured him to run.