A candidacy I’d likely support against Mike Huckabee’s former campaign manager or another no-namer like current chair Mike Duncan whose time there has been, shall we say, less-than-stellar.
Steele is a regular Fox News contributor, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor, and GOP (and conservative) advocate. He was the first African-American to serve in a state-wide office in Maryland — no small feat for being a Republican in a Democratic-majority state. The creator of the phrase “Drill, Baby, Drill”, Steele currently chairs GOPAC — a Republican PAC with former leaders including Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Not a shabby resume.
“After two devastating election cycles, the party has reached a crossroads,” said Steele comparing the Republican party to someone who has “hunkered down” in a corner with no idea what to do next. “I think I may have some keys to open the door, some juice to turn on the lights,” Steele explained.
Steele is the second candidate to formally enter the race; Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis launched his own bid with a You Tube video and a new website earlier this week.
A number of other candidates are mulling the race including: current RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), former Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chip Saltsman, former Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle, South Carolina Party Chair Katon Dawson and Florida Republican Party Chair Jim Greer.
Word is that Newt won’t be challenging for the chair and may even endorse Steele. Mike Duncan, we love ya, but obviously things aren’t working out. Time for a change in leadership and tactics.
by Stephan Tawney on Fri, Nov 14, 2008