Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, a former Democratic national chairman, said this afternoon that Michael's Steele's "days are numbered" as Republican national chairman.

"Fortunately for us," Rendell added. He described the embattled Steele as an "engaging personality" whose failing was his desire to expand the Republican Party.

"I don't think the forces that control the Republican Party really want a big tent," Rendell told a group of Washington reporters over a lunch organized by the Christian Science Monitor.

He said the Republicans don't want a "pro-choice" chairman, referring to Steele's apparent support for abortion rights.

That's why Steele "is in trouble," said Rendell.

The Democratic veteran, who is the current head of the National Governors Association, said that Steele's personal qualities had enabled him to win the Republican chairmanship back in January in an election against "a field that was less than charismatic."

But now that Steele has the job, conservative Republican forces want him out.

"So I think Michael Steele's days are numbered--fortunately for us," said Rendell.

The governor dismissed out of hand the suggestion that the outcome of this month's special election in upstate New York to fill the seat vacated by Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, should somehow determine whether Steele should stay in his post.

"Nah," said Rendell.