New RNC chairman, but party split remains

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: February 2, 2009

A wild day of politicking and dealmaking Friday led to the election of the Republican National Committee’s first African-American chairman (story here.)

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, a fixture on cable news networks, defeated South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson 91-77 on the sixth ballot.

Yes, the sixth ballot.

There’s no shortage of information about Steele all over the internet. If his is a new name to you, start with his bio here. You can also watch Steele’s first post-win interview here (sorry, I can’t help that it was with Sean Hannity).

But more interesting to me than the result of the race is how it went down. 

After the second electoral disaster for the GOP in as many election cycles, everyone knew the RNC chairmanship would be hotly contested. Six candidates entered the race.

One, Chip Saltsman (of “Barack the Magic Negro” fame), dropped out without explanation on the even of the vote. He declined to endorse anyone.

That left five candidates to court voters Friday.

Stay with me here.

Outgoing RNC chairman Mike Duncan, who was seeking re-election, dropped out after the third ballot after losing support in the second and third rounds. He also declined to endorse a candidate, saying in remarks to members, “Obviously, the winds of change are blowing here at the RNC.“

That left four.

On the fourth ballot, with Duncan’s members up for grabs, Dawson took a two-vote lead over Steele, 62-60.

Then former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, the other African-American candidate seeking the chairmanship, dropped out. He, however, did endorse ... Mike Duncan.

???

Blackwell was either in the bathroom when Duncan dropped out or he really, really didn’t want any of the other guys to win.

After the fifth round, Steele led Duncan by 10.

Then Saul Anuzis, chairman of the Michigan GOP, dropped out, though his support had peaked at 31 votes. He did not endorse a candidate.

Steele won on the sixth ballot, 91-77.

Let’s analyze.

Dawson’s supporters (which included Alabama GOP chairman Mike Hubbard, by the way) were wary of Steele throughout the race:

For the duration of his campaign, Steele fought suspicions that he was too moderate to lead the party because of his blue state roots and his former membership in the Republican Leadership Council, a group that sought to curb the influence of social conservatives in the party.

Steele fought back, telling CNN earlier this month, “I’m proud to say I’m a conservative, have been, always will be. So this notion that I’m a moderate is slightly overblown and, quite frankly, a lie.“

But it isn’t any coincidence that Steele’s election—and Dawson’s defeat—was sealed by supporters of Blackwell and Anuzis, of Ohio and Michigan, respectively.

Reacting to Steele’s election, Hubbard released this statement: “Michael Steele brings a much needed breath of fresh air and innovative ideas to the RNC.  I’m excited about the opportunity to work with him to help change the direction of the national Party.”

OK. But make no mistake: There is a geographic and ideological split in the GOP, and it was on display on Friday.

Meanwhile, Steele offered these words in his victory speech:

We’re going to say to friend and foe alike, we want you to be a part of us. And to those of you who will obstruct, get ready to get knocked over.

I’ll have more later on the new pairing of party chiefs: Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine of the DNC and Steele for the Republicans.