GOP puzzled as Michael Steele courts diplomats

By JONATHAN MARTIN & JOSH GERSTEIN | 8/3/10 7:30 PM EDT

An RNC spokesman declined to comment on why Michael Steele would want to set up individual meetings with foreign diplomats. AP

POLITICO 44

The Republican National Committee is trying to set up meetings between Chairman Michael Steele and foreign ambassadors to the United States, according to an email obtained by POLITICO – an effort that has puzzled diplomats as well as fellow Republicans.

An RNC intern sent a message late last month to at least one ambassador on behalf of Neil Alpert, a senior finance aide, with little explanation.

“As you know, the November election is just 103 days away and the Chairman would like to extend to you an invitation to sit down either at the RNC or at your embassy to discuss the upcoming 2010 midterm elections,â€