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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Michael Steele………….
………….. OK, then, now let’s start fighting back!
Seven Percent Solution on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
FUCKIN’ A
My man Steele!
LimeyGeek on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
We’re faster than Allah!
baldilocks on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Surely that deserves humping robot, right?
Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
High-kicks and pom-pom claps!
Laura in Maryland on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Shock the world baby!
Zaggs on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Get that clapping guy away from the mike!
LastRick on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Bout time…
SkinnerVic on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
AWESOME!
gatorgirl on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Yeah, baby!! Took ‘em long enough . . .
califcon on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Steele.
Palin.
Jindal.
Things are looking bright.
madmonkphotog on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mommypundit on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Not by a long shot. But we ain’t dead yet, thank God!
bnelson44 on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Hearty congratulations to Michael Steele!
Now, go purge all RINOs!!!!!!
J.J. Sefton on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Good first step for the GOP in its long trek back to the majority.
Congratulations to Michael.
Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Today is a good day to be a Republican.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I second that motion!
WisCon on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Next fighting back would be the Senate republicans not to vote for the durn pork bill.
Kokonut on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Humping Robot, AP.
We haven’t had a cause for it in so long.
BadgerHawk on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Thank you, St. Anthony.
Wethal on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Aww he is moved
he is humble
he is awesome
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
This IS awesome, buddy.
JustTruth101 on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
YES!
JeffreyLloyd on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS
ousoonerfan15 on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
El Steele gano el RNC postisno…..
SI SE PUEDE ! !! !
Steele es muy bueno !
An Era of Hate on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
HUGE! MAJOR! Sigh of relief!
outOfElement on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Brace yourselves for the onslaught of such slurs as:
Token
Uncle Tom
Copy-Cats
Desperate
Etc…
jrlingreenbay on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Whew.
Slublog on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Lincoln smiles.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Yay! Go Steele.
jbohanon on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Disaster averted.
CherokeeJack on January 30, 2009 at 4:06 PM
YAY!!!
CookeyD on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
*group hug*
JetBoy on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Big Up to Blackwell!
JVelez on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 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
If he’s sends me a pitchfork in the next mailer, I’d love it.
BuckeyeSam on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
“Our very proud, our very strong…”
madmonkphotog on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
YES!!! IT IS STEELE!!!!!!!!
ordi on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Add Sanford to that and I’m in.
LastRick 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
YES MICHAEL STEELE IS RNC CHAIR!!!
jencab on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
WOOHO ITS TIME FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT (than socialism) bring it Michael!!
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Thank you GOD!!!!
WE’RE GONNA BRING IT TO THEM!
Sultry Beauty on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Is Steele promising real “change we can believe in”?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Don’t forget the Oreos
madmonkphotog on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Okay, Michael, congratulations, and go kick some butt.
You might start by marching over to Judd Gregg’s office & putting some steele into his spine.
JudetheFossil on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I’ll eat a box of Oreos tonight in honor of Michael Steele’s victory.
Just kidding. But rest assured, the left will come at him with all kinds of slanderous statements along those lines. I’m glad he’s the new chairman. I’ve followed the guy ever since I saw his 2004 GOP Convention speech and he’s never failed to impress. Anyone who can go on Bill Maher’s show and hold his own with those lunatics shouting him down is one tough SOB.
Doughboy on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
ohh get ready to get knocked over
IM LOVIN IT!
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
He just said he would knock over people.
Mommypundit on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
The difference between a black man and a man who belonged to a “Whites Only” club.
…this would ultimately prove whether the Republican Party truly has collapsed into a heap of 200 proof stupidity.
MadisonConservative on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
This guy rocks!
WisCon on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
They did it to Condi, and to Powell, so yes, they will do it to Steele. Thanks goodness for the courage of people like Condi, Powell and Steele who are tough enough to ignore and be who they are.
JustTruth101 on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Move over Mr. Tyson. We have a new “Iron” Mike.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Only the Dims would call Obama a true black man when he was raised by only white people, but call Steele an Uncle Tom.
Speedwagon82 on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
“Those of you who wish to obstruct…be ready to get knocked over.”
pmanley on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
And Ryan and Cantor. We’ll find our way out of the wilderness.
BadgerHawk on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Steele can handle it. When he ran for LtG he had Oreos thrown at him! He’ll persevere and will do his job well. Just wait and see…..
Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Steele is the man. It’s on now, bitches!!!
manwithblackhat on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
TO THE NE GET ready baby its time to turn it on
TURN IT ON MICHAEL!
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Would the knocking over include a levitating Obama? PLEASE.
Mommypundit on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
There are many responses similar to xyzzy’s. They’re saying, in other words, ‘Social conservatives, shut the h*** up!’
My, but the Republican social libs aren’t feeling very inclusive toward those ‘knuckle-dragging’ social cons!
clark smith on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Limey… must you use that word here so often? Please find a substitute.
Maxx on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
“Get ready baby.”
LOVE IT!
nickj116 on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Way to go Steele!!!!!!!
GOP found a backbone earlier this week,now we got soul to add to it.
Baxter Greene on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Anybody throws an oreo at this guy and I’ll @#$%^&*(@#$%^&*#$%^&*#$%^&* out of them.
Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Check it out….my Chairman of the RNC is BLACK!!! ; )
The Ugly American on January 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM
values and principles, very respectful
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM
GO STEELE!
BKennedy on January 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Steele is a consev.not as consev. as me or rush but he is the real deal.Congrats Chairman Steele.
thmcbb on January 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom. November 4 was rock bottom.
This party is on the way back.
All we have to do is string together 150 or so weeks like this in a row to really be in a position to make some noise. Look out O, we’re coming!
The opposition to the stimulus, Steele, Rush, SarahPAC, things are definintely starting to happen for the good guys.
Nat Hound on January 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Always leave them wanting more! Go, Steele! Good job.
JustTruth101 on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Anuzis for CTO!
Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
!!!!!!
carbon_footprint on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
That’s three. Do we need 85? I think we can get there.
Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I feel a whole renewal thank you..
after McDimwitSkills paycap bill today I was bereft
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Yes Sir.
Atleast the GOP has an actual black guy as its leader.
lavell12 on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Yes, that is how to win.
JustTruth101 on January 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM
How about we don’t “purge” anybody as a minority party trying to increase membership?
Congrats to Steele, it’s a long time coming that the Republican Party has a man whose ancestors were freed by Lincoln to lead the party. Something you can’t say about Obama.
Apologetic California on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
He’s been there, done that.
Esthier on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
my point is, he doesn’t play that game. Listening to his speech, he is ready to roll…
Red State State of Mind on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I’m so anxious for leadership…we’re expecting a lot out of you, Mr. Steele.
Finally an RNC chairman with some name recognition!
hoosiermama on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Let them. I cannot stand those bigots anyway. I trust nothing coming from democrats and nothing from the White House and nothing from the media and nothing from Obamatrons. Seriously. I used to be all about “dialogue” until I realized that they actually want the destruction of the entire US from the inside out.
Mommypundit on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Just pretend it’s a different word.
LimeyGeek on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Steele has slave blood. He’s blacker than Obama. Take that, LIBS!
marklmail on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I’ll point you to this comment at Ace’s (language alert). Live it.
baldilocks on January 30, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I LOVE IT!! I’m using this on my myspace page.
God Save the Republic!
madmonkphotog on January 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Yes!!!!
DL13 on January 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I hate to put a kink in your party to celebrate Michael Steele but he’s just another in a long line of RINOs. Supporting gun bans, affirmative action, abortion and gay marriage is in NO way Conservative.
What happened, did most everyone fall down and bump their heads or did most of the RNC/GOP turn into a bunch of Democrats?
nelsonknows on January 30, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Reagan (from beyond the grave) is so happy today that he, John Wayne, and Ann Coulter’s dad punched a few hippies.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2009 at 4:13 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
“I believe in call-and-response; can I get an ‘amen’?”
LOL.
nickj116 on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM
When I am employed again…….
………….. I just may donate to the RNC.
Seven Percent Solution on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Right on!
This is looking like the Wehrmacht stopped short of Moscow in ’41 people.
2010 will be Stalingrad.
“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”
Winston Churchill
Sapwolf on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM
he is now basically the most powerful man in the party.
ousoonerfan15 on January 30, 2009 at 4:14 PM
What state is Renee Amore from?
JustTruth101 on January 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM
A-men!
ginaswo on January 30, 2009 at 4:15 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
I’m pumped to throw some punches…libs, look out!
JetBoy on January 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM
The house vote on the porkulus bill was heartening.
McCain coming out against porkulus was heartening.
The selection of Steele, who can be a fine and inspiring leader, and certainly was magnificent in defeat in the senate race a few years back, is particularly heartening.
There is a virtue to holding your head high while in the minority, and to standing by principle even when you cannot stop the tide of bad ideas. There will be more elections to come, and the important thing is to draw the line as sharply as possible for the voters so that the differences between the parties and their candidates cannot be obfuscated.
JudetheFossil on January 30, 2009 at 4:16 PM
New meme: American who happens to be black ≠ slavery, suffering and victimhood.
baldilocks on January 30, 2009 at 4:16 PM
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