Smoke coming from the steering column

HI, I have a 1997 Cavalier. I went to crank it on monday morning and all the lights on the dash came on but smoke started coming from the steering column,(around the emerg. flasher switch is located) Is it the starter or the ignition switch? I had to have the car towed since every time i turned the key smoke came out and not to mention the car would not start.

The mechanic were I have the car towed to said that there was an electric current that went from my bad starter to the ignigtion switch causing it to smoke. But since there was a recall on my car that he would fix the inginition switch.

So I am wondering if this could happen, and if I had a bad starter wouldnt I notice problems with it other than the smoke coming out of the steering column?

Please Help..

did you take your car in to have the recall. I don't know the exact years they had problems with that but call the local dealership and they should be able to tell you what recalls were for that car and then with your vin be able to tell you what recalls were done to it.