RNC loses top fundraiser (over Steele)

Politico ^ | 4-5-10 | Ben Smith

[STARWISE]

In another serious blow to the Republican National Committee, one of its top fundraisers — and its few remaining connections to the traditional GOP donor base — has resigned a senior, unpaid position.

Former Ambassador Sam Fox, a top supporter of George W. Bush who was one of the co-chairmen of the Republican Regents — the RNC's top-level fundraising board — has left the post, two Republican sources said.

Fox, a Missouri businessman who was Bush's ambassador to Belgium, was one of the RNC's few remaining connections to the deep-pocketed Republican establishment and was viewed as the heaviest hitter among its fundraisers.

Fox didn't return a call seeking comment.

But Fox was "deeply troubled by the pattern of self-inflicted wounds and missteps," another major Republican fundraiser told me today, and had "lost confidence" in Steele.

He was also finding it harder and harder to tap fellow wealthy Republicans for the RNC, the source said.

The GOP source predicted a coming wave of high-level finance resignations amid dissatisfaction over the arrival, under an ethical cloud, of a new fundraising staffer.

[Cinnamontea]

Steele has the gall to say that Obama, because he's black, has a "slimmer margin of error"? Complete and utter baloney. It's quite the opposite. If Obama had been white, he would never even have made U.S. senator, let alone president. Steele's statement is nothing short of Orwellian.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

No. No based on this incident.
I could list a dozen reasons.
Top of the list would be lack of leadership.

[JudyinCanada]

Agreed....he is likely being given some slack because he is black. I can hear it now - Republicans take this opportunity to rid the RNC of their black leader. If Steele was white, they would not have gotten rid of him. This is what will be reported.

[LibertarianLiz]

I'm with you. Last week, Hugh Hewitt was asking his readers to send donations for the Republican Congressional Committee. I don't do this often, but I e-mailed him with my opinion that this was a mistake. I asked him to think about, not just what happened last week with the "sex themed restaurant" fiasco; but, to re-consider how many candidates the RNC (and it's off-shoots) had decided to support, while the rank and file were wanting someone else.

I suggested that he ask his readers, instead, to start forwarding candidates in local races that they considered to be worthy of support. Then, send your donations directly to the candidate.

Don't know if he will, but I think it is the much better option. Michael Steele has been one of the biggest disappointments I have seen in a long time. I thought he might be a good guy in this position; but, I will admit to being wrong, and I was wrong about Michael Steele.

[Dan(9698)]

he has no intention of stepping down as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

He is on the gravy train and is actually a Democrat.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Bush was not a conservative.
Given the choices we had, I also voted for Bob Dole.

[MrB]

Replace him with a HARDCORE conservative with enhanced skin melanin content.

[Terry Mross]

I beg to differ. It has everything to do with race. His race is why he’s where he is. Does anyone believe he would be Chairman of the RNC with his credentials if he was white?

[K-oneTexas]

Michael Steele has been a disappointment. I actually though he would be the best of the pack under consideration and truly lead the GOP. But I see that impression was wrong.

When the GOP looses money that will make them set-up and take notice. However, as most are RINO (not all - most) they will find a way to smooze it back. Yeah, lie through their teeth.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Steele or one of his minions sends me a beg letter every month, followed by a “Second Notice” letter. Both go into the round file.

[Lazamataz]

You sure do what you can to defend Steele.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

If Steele has grassroots connections they are crabgrass!

[mad_as_he$$]

Fox is a big time behind the scenes player and very well connected.\. This is a major blow to Steele.

[Diogenesis]

Steele embarrassed the GOP, then blamed the GOP,
all while living high on the hog in jets to push his book
as he sucked up even more funds from the GOP for his
voyeur-fest.

If the GOP is this STUPID, then it will lose again.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

November’s opportunity is one in a lifetime.
Meanwhile, Steele is more concerned with his own paycheck.

[wagglebee]

This would indicate that the traditional country club Republicans have lost confidence in Steele. Since actual conservatives had given up on Steele some time ago, it would seem that his support is pretty much nil.

My prediction is that he will be allowed to stick around for a few more weeks to save face and then resign for personal reasons.

[Lazamataz]

Probably.

I liked Haley Barbour.

[TexasCajun]

I’d like Steele gone too, but I don’t want it because State Media runs him out over an expense report reimbursement.

[muawiyah]

I am attempting to keep you people from doing the bidding of your masters in the Washington Post and the DNC.

This is a NON STORY.

Time to shut your yap. We have an election to win in 7 months that will make the difference between living in a third-world hellhole or a free nation.

[muawiyah]

Sam Fox was the titular head of Jewish Republican contributors. He's 81. He's retired.

I was checking around Beverly HIlls and Hollywood to see which "Sam Fox" he might be with a second, third, fourth or fifth home in the region.

It's probably the one closest to the Voyeur Club ~ and that would be what has him upset.