I was having a similar issue in my 01 GT, and got around it by modifying the ignition wiring as described here:
ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting
or, if you are squeamish about cutting into factory wiring:
http://www.grandprixforums.net/plug-...-mod-2698.html
Supposedly, the problem with our ignition systems is that all the accessory power is routed through the ignition switch, so when you turn the car off or on there's a bit of an arc inside the switch, which builds up carbon deposits on the contacts, eventually making the switch fail.
The idea is that instead of routing all accessory power through the ignition switch itself, this mod allows a small amount of power coming from the ignition switch to trip a relay which opens the main accessory line to full power tapped into the line before the switch.
anyhow, it worked really well for me, and at a cost of like $7 for a relay, and being able to avoid opening the steering column at all, it may be worth a shot.
Good luck!
