"Why won't Karl Rove come clean about his breach of national security and his violation of a government employee's personal privacy and safety?," asked Terry Lierman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, echoing concerns expressed in the media and by citizens across Maryland and the United States during the past week.  "The Bush administration is not talking straight to the American people.   Why is the President's top political advisor afraid to tell the truth?"

Mr. Lierman called on Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, a likely candidate for the United States Senate, to call on Rove to "come clean" and to end the "White House stonewall that is seriously undermining the public's trust in its government."

"Michael Steele has the opportunity to show courage, leadership and integrity.  He should demand that Karl Rove put an immediate end to his evasive, elusive tactics in the face of a serious and disturbing breach of national security," said Lierman, noting that Steele is holding a campaign event with Rove at the end of July which would be a "perfect opportunity to address the situation candidly and responsibly."

"Michael Steele should be concerned, alarmed and embarrassed at the prospect of featuring Rove at an event."