Showdown: RNC chair voting now underway; Update: Steele wins!

posted at 12:52 pm on January 30, 2009 by Allahpundit

You can watch live online on C-SPAN or follow along with the running updates at Hotline or Campaign Spot. First man to 85 wins. The bad news: After one round of balloting, current chairman Mike Duncan leads. The good news: Some people thought he’d start off in the neighborhood of 70 votes, with a possible clinch on the second or third ballot. Instead he’s stuck at 52, just six votes ahead of Michael Steele. Ken Blackwell, who I thought would end up the favorite, is dead last with 20. Stand by for updates.

Katon Dawson’s third at the moment, but third-place finishers in the first round have gone on to win before. Here’s tomorrow’s headline today if he somehow manages to pull it out.

Update: Is the man of Steele about to shock the world? 48-48 after the second round.

Update: Steele 51, Duncan 44 after the third round. A money quote: “It’s a diverse party. We’re tired of being labeled as white supremacists.” Ambinder thinks Anuzis will make a deal with Steele, which would means 24 more votes for a total of 75, but I read somewhere else that Duncan and Dawson, the southerners, might make a deal of their own. That would mean 78 votes combined. Which would also mean Ken Blackwell, with 15, would get to play kingmaker.

Update: Duncan feels the “winds of change” blowing and calls it day. That leave 40+ votes in play. I’ve got a bad feeling that most are going to shift to Dawson and we’re going to see those headlines tomorrow after all…

Update: I can’t believe they’re going to elect a guy who has a whites only club in his past. After four, with Duncan’s votes now split, it’s Dawson 62, Steele 60. Anuzis has 31 and could put either of them over the top if he makes a deal.

Update: Blackwell says goodbye, and reportedly endorses Steele. If all 15 of his votes swing that way, Steele has 75, within 10 of clinching. Anuzis is the kingmaker now.

Update: Here’s what Blackwell said about Steele. Think he’s worried about the racial implications of Dawson defeating Iron Mike?

“I cannot change the composition of this electorate [pause for laughs] nore would I want to,” Blackwell said.

But he added, Republicans must “unleash a new birth of freedom” He said, Republicans need a candidate who “must inspire hope,” “have leadership ability and a “vision to pull us together and … Americans together” …

“That is why I put my fullest support behind Michael Steele.”

Might not be good enough. Blackwell’s supporters are hardcore conservatives, and Steele has a reputation (mostly unfairly) as a centrist.

Update: The fifth round is history and Blackwell’s supporters seem to have listened to him: Steele 79, Dawson 69, Anuzis 20. Your move, Saul.

Update: Anuzis is out, without an endorsement. Can Steele pull six votes from his pile? It’s all down to this.

Update: No word yet on the final tally but the man of Steele is the new leader of the party. He’s speaking now; we’ll have video soon. Let the racist “progressive” photoshops begin!

Blowback

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Now cue a barrage of classy comments from the nutroots alluding to a certain creme-filled cookie…

CherokeeJack on January 30, 2009 at 4:16 PM

My deepest heart-felt congratulations to Michael Steele. Today is a great day to be a Republican.

ICBM on January 30, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Steele would have won this anyway, but now it will be marginalizzzed as a sad racial ploy. Good luck dude.

tomas on January 30, 2009 at 4:17 PM

If social cons were not becoming a minority, then they would not have that issue.

Social cons lost the culture wars. Membership is dwindling.

Do not drag the rest of us down with your failure.

Graciously step aside.

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Dude, if you think the GOP can win anything without Socons, you’re smoking your own stash.

We didn’t struggle due to socons. We are struggling because Bush was a liberal on fiscal policy, and underestimated the number of years to get Iraq back on track.

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:18 PM

alright. Now we’ve not only got the right look, but we also have smart fighters.

I like it. I like it LOTS.

Handel on January 30, 2009 at 4:19 PM

I look forward to a ‘love affair’ as slobbering, as this one, now.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:19 PM

This is the first time in my adult life that I am proud of my…RNC.

portlandon on January 30, 2009 at 4:19 PM

Steele would have won this anyway, but now it will be marginalizzzed as a sad racial ploy. Good luck dude.

tomas on January 30, 2009 at 4:17 PM

What a buzz-kill….just be happy about it, plenty of time for pissing and moaning as the need (?) arises…

surrounded on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Does anybody really care that he’s black? I’m just glad we have someone who can articulate the Republican message.

Abby Adams on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

We must hear Obama’s thoughts on this…put the spotlight back on the authentic black leader, stat!

/MSM

Christien on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

C’mon, AP – where’s the robot?

I’ve got a feevah and the only prescription is more robot!

batter on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Steele.

Palin.

Jindal.

Things are looking bright.

madmonkphotog on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM

Add Sanford to that and I’m in.

LastRick on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM

And Ryan and Cantor. We’ll find our way out of the wilderness.

BadgerHawk on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM

Don’t forget Michele Bachmann

Dasher on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

marginalizzzed as a sad racial ploy. Good luck dude.

tomas on January 30, 2009 at 4:17 PM

To quote Bill Murray, “It just doesn’t matter”. Steele will stick it right back in their faces. He doesn’t play the race game.

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Michael Steele is personable, articulate and fiery. But he needs to up his conservative creds.

I think in much the same way that Obama risks much taking on the presidency under such strained times, Steele does the same.

We CANNOT have an RNC that is constantly dancing on pins and needles around offending their first black chairman.
Also, Steele is obviously going to tack right. He runs the risk of becoming transparent in his shift.

On the other hand, he is the first Rep in a long time genuinely comfortable and able to comport himself sanely around large groups of blacks.

Will he attend Tavis Smiley’s State of the Black Union this year? He was there last year. Party response to such conundrums will be interesting.

Congrats Mr. Steele. Good luck!

The Race Card on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Hopefuly our STEELE will not bend.

thmcbb on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

He is as good or better a communicator than obama.

ousoonerfan15 on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

I demand humpbot. The way things are going, there isn’t going to be humpbot-worthy news for a long time.

Hollowpoint on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

If social cons were not becoming a minority, then they would not have that issue.

Social cons lost the culture wars. Membership is dwindling.

Do not drag the rest of us down with your failure.

Graciously step aside.

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Funny, I seem to have forgotten… was it the promotion of social conservative philosophy that cost the RNC the Presidency in 2000 and 2004?

Skywise on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Dude, if you think the GOP can win anything without Socons, you’re smoking your own stash.

We didn’t struggle due to socons. We are struggling because Bush was a liberal on fiscal policy, and underestimated the number of years to get Iraq back on track.

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:18 PM

You’re right, the point is that social cons are already in the mix, while fiscal cons are the ones the GOP needs to bring back into the fold.

Vashta.Nerada on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Will he be invited

tomas on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Maybe, now, I can contribute to the RNC again.

cjs1943 on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Does anybody really care that he’s black? I’m just glad we have someone who can articulate the Republican message.

Abby Adams on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Plenty around here seemed to care that he didn’t have any “white” problems.

Skywise on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

I’m sure that the MSM will be lauding Mr. Steele on his eloquent acceptance speech that was made without a teleprompter, note, or a single er or eh

Dingbat63 on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Finally a great guy, conservative, and great communicator representing the RNC. Hannity announced Steele will be on his TV show tonight.

jencab on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Yes. Please.

When people mock republicans, they usually do so on the outdated notions of social cons.

If you ask democrats, most of them want limited government too. People sane people want a smaller government; it’s the social stances of the party they cannot stand.

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM

No its not Lorien. You are thinking of the 40% core. The others are not nearly as liberal on social issues as you think. Opinion polls on abortion are a perfect example. The FOCA is EXTREME leftism that the middle DOES NOT support.

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

He is as good or better a communicator than obama.

ousoonerfan15 on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

I’ve heard him speak without a teleprompter..no umms and uhhhs because he knows who he is and what he believes

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Graciously step aside.

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Yes. Please.

When people mock republicans, they usually do so on the outdated notions of social cons.

[...]

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM

Spoken from a truly open mind. Bravo! (not)

clark smith on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Hopefuly our STEELE will not bend.

thmcbb on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Everyone knows…Fire can’t melt Steele

JetBoy on January 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Steele would have won this anyway, but now it will be marginalizzzed as a sad racial ploy. Good luck dude.

will not work with THIS man.

Michael Steele !

runner on January 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Fire can melt Steele!

/Rosie O’Bamell

Christien on January 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

YES…. Change

Wade on January 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Beyonce can again sing “At Last”.

BHO Jonestown on January 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Does anybody really care that he’s black? I’m just glad we have someone who can articulate the Republican message.

Abby Adams on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

That he’s black is a minor bonus. Steele is an effective communicator, which is what we need after a term of Duncan doing his best “play dead” impression.

Hollowpoint on January 30, 2009 at 4:24 PM

baldilocks on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM

Remember when Steele ran for Senate? He was savaged by the Dems, and many of the attacks were disgustingly racial. Schumer’s aides obtained his credit file (illegal), etc. It was so awful that I sent him an email to encourage him in future endeavors. He’s been through it all.

Steele has a compelling personal story as well, far more compelling than BO, imho.

I wish him all the best.

Hey! Maybe Joe Biden will say, “He’s articulate and clean.” lolololol The Dems will attack him, but this time they better leave race out of it.

Cody1991 on January 30, 2009 at 4:24 PM

Love Steele!
Good news continues to come from the GOP!

Jenfidel on January 30, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Myself, and all of my conservative friends and family here in Maryland voted for Mr. Steele for Senator in 2006 (running against Ben Cardin).

It’s funny that in 2008 when we didn’t vote for the bi-racial candidate we were then labeled racists.

Go Mike. Godspeed and go “bring it to them”.

garry on January 30, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Now, go purge all RINOs!!!!!!

J.J. Sefton on January 30, 2009

He can be kind of RINOish too.

artist on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM

Outstanding….a repub that is smart, articulate and energized….the RINO’s better get their sh$t together or plan on being replaced.

David in ATL on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM

How is a RINO going to purge other RINOs or do you people actually KNOW what an actual CONSERVATIVE is?
Sorry, my support was for Ken Blackwell, he’s actually a CONSERVATIVE, not a fraud who believes in gun bans, affirmative action, gay marriage and abortion.

Was the DNC so eager to elect a black man that they forgot to look at his voting record?
http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Michael_Steele.htm

Before you RINO supporters start attacking, actually look at his record before you start rationalizing it.

nelsonknows on January 30, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Does anybody really care that he’s black? I’m just glad we have someone who can articulate the Republican message.

Abby Adams on January 30, 2009 at 4:20 PM

Losing a Senate race in Maryland notwithstanding, Steele is a winner. It’ll be great not to have someone straight from central casting representing the GOP.

BuckeyeSam on January 30, 2009 at 4:25 PM

I met Mr. Steele right after he lost his Senate race. He was as excited and optimistic as he was the day he announced. I don’t think the man has ever had a bad day, and he is almost completely unflappable. I daresay he will run rings rhetorically around that loser Tim Kaine.

rockmom on January 30, 2009 at 4:26 PM

I suggest we all show our approval by writing a check to the RNC. I am sending mine out this weekend.

2010, HERE WE COME!

outOfElement on January 30, 2009 at 4:26 PM

If social cons were not becoming a minority, then they would not have that issue.

Social cons lost the culture wars. Membership is dwindling.

Do not drag the rest of us down with your failure.

Graciously step aside.

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Dude, if you think the GOP can win anything without Socons, you’re smoking your own stash.

We didn’t struggle due to socons. We are struggling because Bush was a liberal on fiscal policy, and underestimated the number of years to get Iraq back on track.

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:18 PM

I’m not disagreeing with you on cause. But the Progressivism of Huck! will take hold in 2012 whether Barry fails or succeeds, and much more than Bush! took hold.

Fiscal cons will be relegated to just a protest vote somewhere else, as everyone else picks the bones clean to get theirs.

If we are going to be a minority party, then lets go ahead and stand on principle and be one.

At least we can hold our heads up in defeat.

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:26 PM

I already gave to GOPAC while Steele chaired it, and I will now give to the RNC.

rockmom on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

You’re right, the point is that social cons are already in the mix, while fiscal cons are the ones the GOP needs to bring back into the fold.

Vashta.Nerada on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Agreed. Let’s stop fighting on this. It’s pointless and only hurts our side. We have a common enemy. Uniting should be easy.

Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Look Michael Steele is a CONSERVATIVE. He is not a RINO. Yes he may not be as conservative as 20% of the party is and he certainly isn’t as moderate as 20% of the party is. He is in that 60% who call themselves conservatives, but understand that although principle must be adhered to, politics is all about winning elections. I strongly believe that Michael Steele represents the other 60% very well. The other 40% will not agree with Michael all the time but I believe will find enough common ground to embrace him eventually.

technopeasant on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

The liberals are beside themselves – checking out their blogs – nothing but ‘tokenism’, ‘uncle tom’, and a whole host of other guffaws.

Typical – and so very short-sighted.

jrlingreenbay on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

I’m sure that the MSM will be lauding Mr. Steele on his eloquent acceptance speech that was made without a teleprompter, note, or a single er or eh

Dingbat63 on January 30, 2009 at 4:22 PM

Indeed, let’s see the hypocrits ‘slobber’ all over the first black RNC chairman, who can speak better, withut prompters, and be as charming, and more sure-footed than Obama. Hopefully we’ll never see his tits on TV.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

American Steele is the best, baby………….

…………. Made in the USA!!!

Seven Percent Solution on January 30, 2009 at 4:29 PM

From MSNBC…

Steele, the most moderate candidate in the field, is considered an outsider because he’s not an RNC member. Dawson, as a state party chairman, is a member; he’s a staunch Southern conservative.

Skywise on January 30, 2009 at 4:29 PM

Look Michael Steele is a CONSERVATIVE. He is not a RINO. Yes he may not be as conservative as 20% of the party is and he certainly isn’t as moderate as 20% of the party is. He is in that 60% who call themselves conservatives, but understand that although principle must be adhered to, politics is all about winning elections. I strongly believe that Michael Steele represents the other 60% very well………

technopeasant on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:29 PM

Cody,

Send Schumer’s office a link to freecreditcheck.com and DNC Chair Kaine’s office a bag of Nutter Butters!

Christien on January 30, 2009 at 4:29 PM

I am very pleased with the selection. Screw kos, et al.

ihasurnominashun on January 30, 2009 at 4:29 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

Hope and Change!

JetBoy on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Has the time come to contribute $$$ to RNC again?

Wade on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Funny, I seem to have forgotten… was it the promotion of social conservative philosophy that cost the RNC the Presidency in 2000 and 2004?

Skywise on January 30, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Thanks for pointing this out. IMO the major issue in national elections is either external: defense or internal: economy. To win the R’s have to be able to winsomely present and articulate their position well, why it is so good for the country and why the D’s position is not so good.

Getting upset with soc cons is just a distraction from being willing to diagnose and admit why an election was lost. This go round it seems that there have been some fisc cons/libs/inarticulates amidst the GOP who have been blaming soc cons to distract from who they are.

I’m a soc con, def con and fisc con and I approve this message.

:-)

INC on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

They’ve done that before. Such losers. Steele knows the drill.

Cody1991 on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

the right guy for the job! I look forward to the coming epithets from the “progressives”, as well as Steele’s solid leadership.

homesickamerican on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Hopefully we’ll never see his pecs on TV.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

I just hacked into Michael Steele’s computer and found his new to-do list:

1. Kick Ass
2. Take Names
3. Repeat as necessary

Laura in Maryland on January 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

*(Peanut butter crackers might be considered a threat.)

Christien on January 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Hopefully we’ll never see his pecs on TV.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Every time I see that picture I gag – they look like flat-saggy man-breasts.

outOfElement on January 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Thank goodness. I’m sure the media will paint it as the GOP just trying counter Obama with an African-American, but Steele is a good guy and a solid Republican. The more he speaks, the more he’ll put the media to shame.

Dude, if you think the GOP can win anything without Socons, you’re smoking your own stash.

We didn’t struggle due to socons. We are struggling because Bush was a liberal on fiscal policy, and underestimated the number of years to get Iraq back on track.

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:18 PM

Exactly. I’m not a social conservative, but i’m really tired of people trying to push them out of the GOP. Social conservatives have been loyal Republicans for decades and they should be welcomed into the GOP as much as libertarians and moderates.

clearbluesky on January 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

As has been mentioned on theads about Palin, Limbaugh, etc, the left attacks those they fear the most. Did they spend much time attacking the prior Chair?
If they attack, then we know we are on the right track. And speaking of Oreos, I’ll quote Peyton Manning: “It’s on like Donkey Kong!!”

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

This will show what true post racial politics are all about. He was voted for on his merits…not some silly idea of a savior.

tomas on January 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Now the leaders of both major parties are black.

outOfElement on January 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

Yes, there are first blacks, and then there are first blacks. Hypocrisy is a term not comprehended over there, nor in the media. I wonder how much slobbering the media would have done, were Obama a conservative.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Outstanding….a repub that is smart, articulate and energized….the RINO’s better get their sh$t together or plan on being replaced.

David in ATL on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM

What’s a RINO? Steele is no fiscal conservative. Why is everyone so happy about this? Clearly the lesser of two evils won; but it doesn’t bode well for the future.

Look at his record:

Strongly Favors topic 20:
Allow churches to provide welfare services

What this means is that he supports welfare programs, just wants it distributed through churches instead. So, in essence, he believes in big government as long as its directed the right away. See. Fred Barnes. Bill Kristol.

Strongly Favors topic 2:
Require companies to hire more women & minorities

He supports Fed Government involvement in hiring practices. He also supports federal money going to “certain” preferred types of businesses as well. Are you content with this?

I don’t see where he’s an improvement over whomever currently runs the show. Anyone got an answer?

Seems to me most people wanted him up there because of skin color.

Has he shown any organizational ability? I see him on TV sometimes. That’s nice, I suppose.

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

Wohoo!!! I’m so glad the Republican Party got something right!

therightwinger on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

You think that there’ll be any reporting of the racial slurs coming from the left, directed against Steele?

Bwaahaahahaahhaahaa! Sorry – hard to write that with a straight face!

Maybe someone can ask Arianna about that next time she’s on MSNBC.

jrlingreenbay on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

How is a RINO going to purge other RINOs or do you people actually KNOW what an actual CONSERVATIVE is?
Sorry, my support was for Ken Blackwell, he’s actually a CONSERVATIVE, not a fraud who believes in gun bans, affirmative action, gay marriage and abortion.

Was the DNC so eager to elect a black man that they forgot to look at his voting record?
http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Michael_Steele.htm

Before you RINO supporters start attacking, actually look at his record before you start rationalizing it.

nelsonknows on January 30, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Uhh…the last I checked, the RNC chairman doesn’t write policy or vote in Congress. So, perhaps the absolute BEST place for Steele then is Chairman. He will almost certainly espouse the conservative beliefs of the majority of the party, as well as pump much needed new blood into the proceedings. And we won’t need to worry about how he will vote on gun control.

bilups on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

the Progressivism of Huck! [...]

xyzzy on January 30, 2009 at 4:26 PM

I’m as social con as a person can get, and I can’t stand Huckleberry. I think it’s a strawman to suggest that Huck is the best we can do in the way of a candidate who will advocate for social conservatism.

clark smith on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

Dems channel Eli Manning’s line in the Oreo Double-Stuffed Racing League ad:

“STOP COPYING US!”

Christien on January 30, 2009 at 4:34 PM

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Well, if our politicians feel the necessity to appear half-nekked, I’d rather see Steele.

Or Harry Reid for a laugh…. bwuahahahahahahah!!

Cody1991 on January 30, 2009 at 4:35 PM

Steele wins??…And I thought we wanted a new direction? Another lawyers!!!
BOOOOOO!!!!
Supports affirmative action and its improvements
Supports stem cell research
Roe v. Wade should remain in place
Q: Would you hope the US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?
A: My desire is that we follow what state decision is at this point.
Supports gun enforcement

christene on January 30, 2009 at 4:36 PM

Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:18 PM
clearbluesky on January 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Thank you both.

INC on January 30, 2009 at 4:36 PM

Again Michael Steele is a big booster of Sarah Palin. Once Sarah becomes the standard-bearer, she will bring in the 20% of the social conservative community that might doubt Steele’s credentials. As for the 20% who are moderate–most of the them are fiscally conservative and strong on national defense. If Sarah and Michael can infuse the party with a tinge of domestic libertarianism (not the national defense isolationist position) then I think the other 20% can be swayed as well.

technopeasant on January 30, 2009 at 4:37 PM

Or Harry Reid for a laugh…. bwuahahahahahahah!!

Cody1991 on January 30, 2009 at 4:35 PM

How about Speaker Pelosi in a Brazilian thong? Grrrrrrr !!

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:37 PM

FYI: the Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire has the final vote tally as 91-77.

jasetaro on January 30, 2009 at 4:37 PM

Look Michael Steele is a CONSERVATIVE. He is not a RINO. Yes he may not be as conservative as 20% of the party is and he certainly isn’t as moderate as 20% of the party is. He is in that 60% who call themselves conservatives, but understand that although principle must be adhered to, politics is all about winning elections. I strongly believe that Michael Steele represents the other 60% very well. The other 40% will not agree with Michael all the time but I believe will find enough common ground to embrace him eventually.

technopeasant on January 30, 2009 at 4:27 PM

POPPYCOCK! Do you actually KNOW what the RNC/GOP platform is? Did you BOTHER looking at Steele’s record? Rationalizing your support for Steele doesn’t change the facts of his record.http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Michael_Steele.htm
The RNC/GOP failed to learn ANYTHING from the last election where 25% of conservatives refused to vote for a RINO.

Keep digging the hole deeper and the GOP won’t win an election for dog catcher because…. YOU CANNOT OUT-LEFT THE LEFT!

nelsonknows on January 30, 2009 at 4:38 PM

I hope he puts Maverick and Co. in a headlock and tells them

NO MORE HANDJOBS FOR DEMOCRATS!

Laura in Maryland on January 30, 2009 at 4:38 PM

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

Republicans have short memory spans (see McCain) and get wobbly real quick (must be genetic). Steele is just another plain vanilla wafer pubbie with mixed conservative credentials, despite his skin color that pubbies seems to be in full slobber Obama mode over.

Fletch54 on January 30, 2009 at 4:38 PM

His priority now should be to strengthen the GOP in states such as Michigan and Illinois (my own state.) If the GOP can’t field candidates here that can obliterate Democrats as corrupt and purveyors of policies that make us poorer, weaker,and less well educated, then we will never win.

It’s nice that the electoral map is mostly red, but most of the people live in those little blue slices and we need to recapture some of them if we are ever to win.

I also posted here before and truly believe that moving the GOP headquarters out of DC (to Springfield IL?) would do wonders for the party.

Sheerq on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

Does this mean the white embraced what is right?

Someone better go ask Rev. Lowery for his blessing on this.

Nat Hound on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

The koskiddies are excusing their racism by say they are not calling Steele a token etc, they are saying that about the Republican Party.

It boggles the mind that they put their fingers in their ears while humming….saying I am not racist, I am not racist.

I hate them

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

The trolls are out in full force. First calling attention to Rush Limbaugh, then Sarah forming a PAC and now Michael Steele becoming chairman of the GOP. The Messiah had a bad week and they know it.

technopeasant on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

Steele wins??…And I thought we wanted a new direction? Another lawyers!!!
BOOOOOO!!!!
Supports affirmative action and its improvements
Supports stem cell research
Roe v. Wade should remain in place
Q: Would you hope the US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?
A: My desire is that we follow what state decision is at this point.
Supports gun enforcement

christene on January 30, 2009 at 4:36 PM

Again…He’s not running for President or congress. As chairman, his job is to espouse the core of the RNC’s plan. He does not seem like the kind of guy (unlike Obama) who will inject his personal politics into the proceedings.

bilups on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

Those assholes on kos are already calling him a “magic negro”, oreo, token and Uncle Tom.
Pathetic

ArmyAunt on January 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM

Good. That gives us the option of stooping to their level and saying the same things about Barry, should we choose to.

Vashta.Nerada on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

nelsonknows on January 30, 2009 at 4:38 PM

Looks like there is at least one moonbat scared to hell that the real GOP is striking back at the bastards who want to steer the party to the left.

highhopes on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Good for Steele, I think he’ll do more for the party than any of those other guys. He’s got more name recognition, more charisma, and probably more conservative stones than the others. So good for him. This makes me feel just a twinge good about our party.

t.ferg on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Woohooies!

- The Cat

MirCat on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Seems to me most people wanted him up there because of skin color.

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

I don’t think that’s fair. He was covered extensively here a few years ago. That’s when many of us grew to like him, not just cause he’s black.

Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Good. That gives us the option of stooping to their level and saying the same things about Barry, should we choose to.

Vashta.Nerada on January 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

No need to stoop to their level. We can do it our way, the right way, and win.

Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:41 PM

I don’t think that’s fair. He was covered extensively here a few years ago. That’s when many of us grew to like him, not just cause he’s black.

Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Plus one of our Matriarchs liked him. I speak of MKH. (recalls old interview from 2006)

- The Cat

MirCat on January 30, 2009 at 4:41 PM

I wonder how much slobbering the media would have done, were Obama a conservative.

Schadenfreude on January 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

They wouldn’t, S. Steele was treated badly because he is a Republican. Dems only care about race because it’s one of their cards to play. Ultimately it’s all about ideology and a long term plan to institute socialism. That’s why I find them to be so despicable.

Look what they did to Palin. Dems are supposed to be soooo progressive and pro-female. Not so. Some of the Pumas realized this. Palin was denigrated because she is a conservative.

Cody1991 on January 30, 2009 at 4:41 PM

Michael Steele:
-Support stem cell research that involves no embryonic cells. (Oct 2006)
-See embryonic stem cells as lives. (Oct 2006)
-Set up adoptions for unwanted embryos. (Oct 2006)
-Roe v. Wade should remain in place. (Oct 2006)
-More funding for adult stem-cell research, but not embryonic. (Oct 2006)
-Supports Bush’s veto of embryonic stem cell research. (Aug 2006)
-Support stem cell research that does not destroy embryos. (Aug 2006)
-Pro-life Republicanism is mainstream of America. (Apr 2006)
-Pro-life, but we have to live with 33 years of reality. (Mar 2006)

Seems reasonable to me.

bilups on January 30, 2009 at 4:42 PM

I actually saw some idiot on Huffpo call Steele the “H.N.I.C. of the GOP”.

Can you imagine how that would have been plastered all over their websites and the news opinion shows if some conservative had that up on their blog page?

(For those of you who don’t get the acronym: HNIC = Head ‘N-word’ in charge.

Amazing tolerance and support for minorities on the left, wouldn’t you say?

jrlingreenbay on January 30, 2009 at 4:42 PM

Why are people even talking about Steele’s personal positions? He’s not running for office. His job is to articulate the existing Republican message and sell it to voters…

therightwinger on January 30, 2009 at 4:43 PM

Seems to me most people wanted him up there because of skin color.

lorien1973 on January 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

I don’t think that’s fair. He was covered extensively here a few years ago. That’s when many of us grew to like him, not just cause he’s black.

Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Tru dat. He’s been doing Bill Bennett’s show on Fridays for the past couple of weeks/months.

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2009 at 4:43 PM

Thank you, RNC.

Loxodonta on January 30, 2009 at 4:43 PM

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