Mitt Romney

Mitt RomneyBALTIMORE - Republican Andy Harris' campaign changed gears on Friday with a new slogan.

The campaign's new motto - "Freedom, Opportunity, Change" - was revealed at the campaign's Friday fundraiser featuring former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.).

"People are simply tired of the way business is being done in Washington," Harris told reporters before his luncheon at the Center Club. "Sixteen months ago almost to the day I decided to run for Congress to change the way business is done in Washington."

Standing by Harris' side was Romney, whose record as governor received praise from the state Senator from Cockeysville.

Check back tomorrow morning to view my sketchpad for day three of the Democratic National Convention, and go to my national blog to follow convention coverage by cartoonists from around the country.

PolitickerMA.com says that Romney's cameo on behalf of Andy Harris does not rule him out as a vice presidential contender.

Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R-Mass.): Getty Images PhotoFormer Massachusetts governor, ex-presidential candidate and, perhaps, future vice-presidential candidate Mitt Romney will host a Sept. 12 fundraiser for Republican Andy Harris's 1st District congressional campaign.

Romney will appear at a luncheon for the three-term Cockeysville state Senator, who defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) in the GOP primary earlier this year.

His appearance will come a week after the Republican National Committee Convention in Minneapolis, a place where many political observers believe he will accept the vice presidential nomination.

UPDATE: Steele's Denver plans?

Ex-Lt. Gov. Michael Steele was just spotted at the United Airlines ticket counter of Reagan National, checking in for an afternoon flight to Denver.

As they did in 2004, the Republicans are setting up their counter-convention activities. Possible McCain VP pick Mitt Romney will be there.

A group of state Republican leaders and activists who supported various presidential candidates early in the primary process have formed a “unity team” as a suggested fusion slate to represent Maryland at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“The idea is to bring everyone on board in support of Sen. (John) McCain,” Corey Stottlemyer, the former political director of the state Republican party and unity team member, said.

Chris Cavey, the first vice chairman of the state party, is leading the effort.

“We have presented the unity team as a suggestion for those who do not necessarily have a ballot,” Cavey said.

The plan is not endorsed by Jim Pelura, the chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

“The Maryland Republican Party does not have slate,” Pelura told PolitickerMD.com.

Just moments ago on MSNBC, influential social conservative Tony Perkins suggested former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele as a vice presidential choice for Republican John McCain that would get broad approval among his ranks.

Perkins, who is president of the Family Research Council, was on the program to discuss McCain’s outreach to social conservatives, and offered Steele’s name up without provocation. He also suggested South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, while demurring at anchor Andrea Mitchell’s suggestion of Mitt Romney.

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele told PolitickerMD.com today that he would give “high consideration” to accepting a cabinet position if Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is elected president in November and offers the Marylander a seat.

“I’d look to help Sen. McCain in any way possible,” Steele said when asked if he would be interested in the vice presidency or any other cabinet position.

Initially, Steele said the idea was “so not on the page,” saying he was focused on his responsibilities as chairman of GOPAC, the conservative political action committee (PAC) that trains Republican candidates to run for elected office.

When asked if he would rule out the notion, however, Steele said, “No.”

“My mother taught me that you don’t rule anything out,” he added.

It was then that Steele mentioned his high regards for McCain, and after saying he would have to discuss the idea of a cabinet position with his family, Steele acknowledged that he would highly consider the opportunity.

The former lieutenant governor also weighed-in on the defeat of Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville) in Maryland’s Feb. 12 congressional primary.