Michael Steel is our new RNC Chairman! Excellent choice and my first choice after Blackwell. Bob
Steele’s mother was a widowed laundress who, he stated, worked for minimum wage rather than accept public assistance. Steele grew up in a Democratic household. However, as a young man he switched to the Republican Party.
After joining the Republican Party, Steele became chairman of the Prince George’s County Republican Central Committee. In 1995, the Maryland Republican Party selected him as Maryland State Republican Man of the Year. He worked on several political campaigns, was an Alternate Delegate to the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego and a Delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia that ultimately chose the George W. Bush ticket.
In December 2000, Steele was elected chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, becoming the first African American ever to be elected chairman of any state Republican Party. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_S._Steele
RNC chairman abandons re-
election bid
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mike Duncan has abandoned his bid for another term as Republican Party chairman.
Duncan made the move after failing to get a majority of Republican National Committee members’ votes after three rounds of balloting.
The Kentucky Republican said Friday: “Obviously the winds of change are blowing at the RNC.”
Duncan thanked Bush, and got a standing ovation when he withdrew.
He said of his two-year tenure: “It truly has been the highlight of my life.”
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele got the most votes in the third round of balloting for the Republican National Committee chairmanship. He got 51, but that wasn’t enough.
Because 85 votes are required for elevation to the helm of the party, the RNC will vote a fourth time.
None of this bodes well for current GOP chairman Mike Duncan. He is seeking re-election, but has watched his support erode steadily with each round of voting. He got 44 votes in the third round.
South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson got 34, while Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis took 24. And, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell trailed with 15.
