District 22 Candidate Backs Olson

A 25-year-old Sugar Land Republican who had been seeking the 22nd congressional seat held by Democrat Nick Lampson has dropped out of the race and endorsed one of his former Republican opponents.

Alan Steinberg, whose youth sometimes made him the subject of lampoon on local political Web sites, announced Tuesday he will no longer be running in the March primary for the four-county Congressional District 22. Steinberg said he will now support Pete Olson, a fellow Republican who had been working as a staff member to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas as well as Cornyn's predecessor, Phil Gramm.

“Pete will bring a fresh perspective to solving issues of national security and fiscal policy,” said Steinberg. “His vast experience working with both Senators Gramm and Cornyn, in combination with his military service, give him the background needed to be an effective leader on the issues and priorities of the 22nd District.”

In addition to his youth, Steinberg had been known throughout his candidacy for living with his parents, which he said was a fiscally conservative choice on his part, and his ownership of a distinct purple Corvette, around which he themed his Web site.

Steinberg's announcement doesn't do much to pare down the crowded race, which still features eight candidates seeking the Republican nomination.

- Steven Palkot, Fort Bend Herald (12/19/07)