It’s Michael Steele vs. Karl Rove in an epic battle for the soul – and the wallet – of the Republican Party!

“It’s a lasting scar mainly for its combination of stupidity, insensitivity and ignorance about the civil war,” said one senior [GOP] party strategist granted anonymity to speak candidly. The source did add, however, that McDonnell “has a lot of time to make amends and put it behind him.” Unless Sheriff Haley Barbour talks about it some more, and makes unwanted headlines for you, Bob McDonnell.

Michael Steele thinks people criticize him because of his race. Not because he’s generally failed at everything he’s tried, not because he has embarrassed the RNC throughout his tenure. Because of his race.

The RNC is . . . bound . . . by its own unattainable perception of morality. HA!

The name on the reimbursement slip for around $2,000 in “meals” at a bondage-themed nightclub in West Hollywood is Erik Brown. Turns out the guy has a profile as a California political consultant.

Yeah, this is pretty rich. Here’s a guy who promised to woo African American voters with fried chicken, refused to criticize Glenn Beck for saying that the president was a “white culture”-hating racist, and who just a few days ago dropped the Native American equivalent of “nigger” on national teevee.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has been called a lot of names. Here’s another one for him: cheater.

It’s not surprising Steele and the Republicans are embarrassed about their party. But Steele has hit a new low (insert Munch’s “Scream” here): He’s set up an RNC fundraising page on Facebook made to look like it’s the United Steelworkers union.

Thanks to the miracle of cellular technology, I was able to talk to a homeowner while his house was surrounded by police. I reached Mike Whelan by phone at his duplex at 951 Iglehart Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Whelan is letting observers from the group Legal Watch stay in one half of his side-by-side duplex while they monitor RNC protests He describes himself as a supporter of the demonstrations, but says he is not affiliated with any particular group. “I want to build a country that’s based on good social values,” Whelan explained.