Posted on 11/13/2008 10:57:02 PM PST by Chet 99
November 13, 2008
Categories: Republicans
GOP governors broach Haley about RNC chairmanship
A group of Republican governors today suggested to Haley Barbour that he reprise his role as RNC chair, but the Mississippi governor demurred.
The idea came in a private meeting in Barbour's hotel suite this afternoon in Miami where a group of GOP governors gathered in between public sessions at the RGA.
A source in the room said that Barbour quickly knocked down the idea, citing his commitment to Mississippi.
Barbour served as RNC chairman from 1993-1997, overseeing the party's capture of Congress in 1994.
The conversation was a casual one, with the governors discussing some of the possibilities that have emerged to take over the party. The election, to be decided by the RNC's state chairs and national committeemen and women, won't take place until the party meets in Washington in January.
Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich were mentioned as possibilities, but no consensus was reached around who to get behind or whether the governors should even make a joint commitment to any candidate.
Numerous party officials have launched campaigns for the job and others are mulling bids. Mike Duncan, the current chairman, is also leaning toward seeking another term.
Because he's done such a splendid job.
A great RNC chairman and a great governor.
Why can’t they get someone new? Michael Steele seemed like a nice guy, but he was a Lieutenant Governor who lost a Senate campaign. Newt Gingrich did an excellent job, but I haven’t been impressed with him in recent years.
How about Duncan Hunter or Tom Tancredo? They both retired from Congress this past year and have a record of winning campaigns and solid conservatism.
Clean 'em out. Get some youth and competence in there, some energy, some "spice".
I love both of these patriots, and supported one of them enthusiastically in the primaries. However, their fortes are in defense and border security, not in winning at the national level.
Thanks Chet 99 for posting this.
Actually, I think this is the best idea I have heard about the RNC Chairmanship. It would be a great move for the Republican Party. He did a great job in his prior RNC post. He would be fabulous.
He has energy, ideas, communications skills and a combativeness to go after the Raum Emanual’s of the Obambi team.
I wonder if he would reconsider not wanting to do so.
I’d rather see barbour as Palin’s VP in 2012, after the coming Democrat-caused economic disaster has sunk in on the Sheeple...
Barbour’s really good. Can’t go wrong with him or Steele.
I would love to hear who Haley thinks would be a good RNC chair. He would know better than others what it takes to get the job done and done well. He co-chaired with Evelyn McPhail, and she was the great organizer. Does Haley know of another Miss Evelyn-type person to take the helm or serve as a co-chair? This is no job for a Big Ego. This is a job for a hard worker who will find the candidates for Congress who will work to reduce the size and scope of government and promote freedom and self-discipline that are necessary for the success of a free society.
It goes without saying that Haley Barbour would be the best possible choice. I hope that he strongly reconsiders.
He may be a great guy, but no way should Mike Duncan get another term. Not that what happened in 2006 and 2008 is entirely his fault, but still.
I would hope not.
Not to dis Mr. Steele but there’s another guy no one is mentioning that would be at the top of my list as a young, forward thinking, true Reagan conservative who would be an excellent well-spoken face of the party and he left office on his own terms.
J.C. Watts
Good move.
ABSOLUTELY
Thye DON’T GET IT!!
You must’ve missed Watts constant praise for Obama and fundraising for black democrats this election...
Watts is like Colin Piss Poor Powell, putting race over principle.
If Duncan or any of the other RNC clymers are still there tomorrow it’s a disaster let alone for another term.
Rush Limbaugh for RNC Chairman.
I'm serious.
1) Whatever happens with the "Fairness Doctrine," this wold make it impossible to shut Rush up.
2) While from time to time almost everyone may have "an" issue with Rush, he is the single most galvanizing conservative in America, and would ignite the grassroots like no one else.
3) He has terrific public skills, is a good debator (though not great), will not be intimidated, believes in "brass knuckle" politics, has exceptional business contacts (more than anyone else in the "running"), KNOWS a business model and how to organize from nothing, and would have access to media that virtually no one else will have.
He might say he "couldn't take the pay cut," but in fact he can shelter his wealth and wouldn't have to. I can't think of one other person who would better unite the grass roots, the rich contributors, and have a good media presence.
I wish he would. Haley was great. Not that I oppose some of the other names, but we know Haley’s track record.
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