RNC asks Steele to replace Mehlman

The Washington Times ^ | November 10, 2006 | Ralph Z. Hallow

[icwhatudo]

Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, whose party just lost both chambers of Congress, will leave his position in January, and the post as party chief has been offered to Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele. "It is true," Mr. Mehlman told The Washington Times when asked about reports last night that he would resign. "It's something I decided over the summer. No one told me I needed to. In fact, folks wanted me to stay."

Mr. Mehlman said he "told the White House over the summer it was my decision" to leave the RNC post, "win, lose or draw."

Also last night, Republican officials told The Times that Mr. Steele, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, has been sought out to succeed Mr. Mehlman as national party chairman. Those Republican officials said Mr. Steele had not made a decision whether to take the post, as of last night.

[beaversmom]

I agree with you on Rudy. Unless someone better comes along that looks like he/she can win, I'm banking on Rudy. A lot can happen in two years though--we'll have to see what shakes out.

[MadIvan]

I think we have to remember what the priority is - the destruction of Hillary's ambition. If Obama does it for us, so much the better. If we have to do it, let's get the best street fighter into the game.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

If she's given a choice, I suggest she'd go for Bill Richardson of New Mexico - he picks up Latino and Western votes.

I do believe Obama will make a strong showing and she'll have to make him VP.

Regards, Ivan

[Uncledave]

You make a good point that the RNC position requires streetfighting, which might not support building a presidential image.

Still, sending him overseas makes me worry.

I'll comprimise with you: Steele replace Bolton who's toast. Thus, Steele gets foreign service credentials and will be more visible at home.

[anymouse]

It did seem that Mehlman lost his motivation in late Spring and has not been out there energized and visible as he was last year. To his credit he did go through the motions without giving a hint that he was planning an exit.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Sounds like an excellent choice! Steele has such a commanding presence and really has all his wits about him...

[betsyross1776]

Bring back the people who won it for them. Bring back MARK ROSCOE AND ED GILLESPIE THEY WON IT NOT NEWT. PEOPLE HATE NEWT THE MAN IS A RIGHT WING LOSER. BRING BACK THE GUYS WHO WON IT FOR THEM WITH RECORDS OF WINS. THEY ARE THE MEN WHO DO THE JOB.

[cookcounty]

Could be a good move, but what's the rush?? The Republican leadership has been asleep for 2 years and now (now!) they're in a sudden panic.

[Bainbridge]

Yeah, real genius isn't he ? It is time we put that canard to bed.
He is in large part responsible for this mess- the whole immigration thing was the proverbial straw and that he could not see that coming shows he is not only not in the giant brain club- he should be doing something else for a living.

[Bainbridge]

HUD--it is the brother seat.

[RebelBanker]

Unfortunately, Michael Steele does not have the experience to be a viable Presidential candidate yet. I am not sure he would be willing to run for VP because I doubt that he would want to repeat his stint as a second fiddle who is accused (falsely) of bringing nothing to the table except the color of his skin.

He did a great job as the Maryland GOP chairman and ran a fantastic campaign for US Senate. He was just in the wrong state and the wrong election; the anti-GOP tide was too strong.

[Bainbridge]

Yeah, and he has a "family values" problem with his marital background.

[MadIvan]

That's not a bad idea. It's really a question though - there is going to be blood on the floor for a while. Do we really want Steele to be anywhere near that? The UN is close enough.

The other thing I worry about is that the emboldened Democrats will reject anyone Bush sends, including Steele. If he goes to the EU, this is less likely.

Regards, Ivan

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"Big mistake but i respect the RNC's decision"

What makes you take that position?

No flame here, just curiosity.

Michael Frazier

[theDentist]

Does he have the 'nads to walk down the street to the DNC and punch Dean in the nose every once in a while?

[juliej]

I also think it is a good move. I hope Rick Santorum stays in public life also and Jim Talent. They were too good for the people of their states. Sad, sad, sad.

[smith288]

Why not BlackWell then?

Blackwell should head the Ohio GOP. Its a mess and needs some SERIOUS gutting starting at the top.

[George W. Bush]

I like Steele, but I'd rather see a woman run the RNC, how about Karen Hughes?

Isn't she still wandering through Arabia in a burqa?

Seriously, it's time for the party to look beyond the Bush era. He's led us to minority status and it's time for new blood.

[EQAndyBuzz]

"And after the democrats regulate the internet and rid themselves of bloggers and other nuisances (like FR) Jim will have plenty of time on his hands."

Hey Jim, got any plans for the next two years?

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Note I sent money to two out of state Republicans and I worked in the Republican primary.
I voted all Republican but I will never send one cent to the RNC until they get a conservative in charge.
PURSE STRINGS is a liberal and hurt the conservatives.