As for his future, Mr. Steele – a devout Catholic who once studied to become a priest – said he does hope to return to a life of “public service” and run for office again. He said he plans to evaluate his options closer to 2010.

“When the time is right and the opportunity presents itself, we’ll take a closer look and see what we have to offer the people of Maryland,” he said. “And if they like it and think it’s in their interest, then hopefully they’ll support me.”