Fox News: Steele seeking Republican National Committee post
Fox News is reporting that former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is interested in running for the chairmanship of the RNC and may announce his candidacy as early as Thursday. Fox further reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has issued a statement disavowing interest in the post.
In another sign that he's in the mix, there's even a draft Michael Steele website.
Picking Steele would be an interesting and symbolically potent choice for the GOP. He emerged during the party's convention over the summer as critical of the Republican party's outreach to minorities, noting in nationally televised interviews that there were fewer black delegates to the party's convention than in previous years. Barack Obama's dominance among minorities -- not just African-Americans -- and young voters has certainly upset a number of people in the party's hierarchy, who conclude that being an all-white party isn't a winning strategy in a country that will be majority-minority in the not too distant future.
Steele expressed interest in the national job four years ago, but was passed over in favor of Mike Duncan. He's now head of GOPAC, an organizaiton Gingrich once headed, dedicated to recruiting and supporting new Republican candidates. He's gotten speaking slots at the last two national conventions. In 2004, he was the GOP's answer to a keynote from a then-unknown Barack Obama, and this year, he coined one of the most memorable lines of the year when he implored the country to "Drill, baby, drill" as a solution to $100-plus a barrel oil.
He's a fairly straight-line conservative on policy matters but doesn't look or sound like a typical Republican, which may be what the party's going for at this point. So now, the battle cry is becoming "Run, baby, run."
Comments
Run Steele Run.. The GOP needs you..
Posted by: Christiaan Corthier | November 12, 2008 11:31 AM
Damn right run baby run!
Steele is the man.
Posted by: cliff | November 12, 2008 2:17 PM
GO STEELE!! Create a new contract with America!
Posted by: Andre M | November 12, 2008 5:20 PM
Yup he is the guy. I am changing my party back to republican if this guy gets the job. He is a true conservative. Something that the repubs forgot. Hence, my becoming an independent. Back to true conservative values will put the GOP on track.
Posted by: Brian McAloon | November 12, 2008 6:01 PM
Best news this weary Conservative has heard in a long time!
Posted by: Elizabeth Dixon | November 12, 2008 8:05 PM
I want to be a part of Steele leading us back. Hope he is playing golf with Rush this weekend and gets Newt's endorsement and they put together the new revolution for conservatives.
How can I help?
Turk in Indiana
Posted by: William Turk | November 12, 2008 9:16 PM
Steele would be a great choice. He is effective at explaining this case he is trying to make (something that the Republicans seem to moving away from).
The Republicans need someone who can effectively explain their viewpoint and make solid points. Steele seems able to hold his own on T.V. from what I have seen (this is a concern after the recent troubles Republicans have been having).
I strongly approve of Steele for this position.
Posted by: Good idea | November 12, 2008 9:17 PM
Yes, Michael Steele!
The Republican party needs a strong hand such and a strong voice! YOU ARE IT!!
Posted by: Jean | November 12, 2008 9:20 PM
Yes to Michael Steele.
Posted by: Mark Nelson | November 13, 2008 3:12 PM
Yes to Michael Steele. He is just what our party needs to get back to where we need to be.
Posted by: Sherrie | November 14, 2008 11:10 AM
I'm a lifelong Republican. I've weathered the storms of left-center-right leanings within the party. I've noticed a winning trend with each conservative cycle. We lost this election because McCain was too center-left. I'm rooting for Michael Steele to help lead the Grand Old Party back to a Reaganist and winning position. Go Michael.
Palin in 2012.
Posted by: Grover Pillsbury | November 14, 2008 5:28 PM
Bless You Michael!
I had pretty much given up on the head of the RNC. You will help bring life back to the party. We need more people like to and the Republican Governors!!!
Posted by: PEM | November 14, 2008 5:30 PM
Yes, YES, YESS!!! Michael can be a great catalyst to bring the RIGHT Republicans together to focus and save our country from hypotism and dazzle of the current Dems - Please Republican party, allow this honorable man to lead...
Posted by: Linda Coombes | November 14, 2008 5:37 PM
what a great choice for RNC chairman,let it be so!!!!! we need people like michael in our corner, where have you been hiding?
Posted by: janice miller | November 14, 2008 7:16 PM
Great , stay with those people as we do no need any Oreo's on our side .
Posted by: mc | November 15, 2008 8:54 PM
I worked with and for Michael. He is a man of his word, straight forward and a straight talker, no false promises, he will not say anything just to please the people, because it sounds good.. or to get elected, he will give you the good and the bad, .....No BS in Mike, none whatsoever. Now, that is what I call CHANGE!!
Posted by: Joe Finlayson | November 28, 2008 9:13 PM