The Steele purge at the RNC

posted at 10:37 am on February 6, 2009 by Ed Morrissey

During the mini-campaign for the RNC chair since the disastrous national election (for Republicans, anyway), we heard rumblings that the most famous of the candidates might not get much institutional support.  According to Ben Smith, the feeling was mutual.  Michael Steele, fresh off of his fourth-ballot victory, wants to put his own imprint on the party — and has requested the resignations of the entire RNC staff as a start:

A Republican source says newly elected Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has requested the resignations of the entire RNC staff and signaled a dramatic turnover at the party organization.

Some aides may be retained, though Republicans are under the impression that Steele will lead a large-scale changeover in the institution, which has about 100 staffers. Obama’s new team at the Democratic National Committee also requested mass resignations.

Many, including communications staffers, have been told their last day is Feb. 15.

Steele has a difficult task ahead of him, which is to convince voters that the GOP has changed and learned from two successive electoral defeats.  His election may give evidence to that, but until Steele shows some strength and — dare I say — change, that election will just look cosmetic.  In order to build on his own strength, the organization has to reflect Steele and his agenda for revamping the Republican Party into a force for majority rule.

It’s also not anything unexpected.  Political organizations usually have staff purges when new management arrives.  Many people leave on their own volition, either out of disagreement with the new governing philosophy or just to make sure they don’t get laid off with no other prospects.  Ben notes that the Democrats did the same thing, and for much the same reason — to put Obama’s stamp on the DNC.

With the Republicans, though, one has to wonder whether any other candidate would have replaced the entire staff as Steele did.  Ken Blackwell may have, as another outsider, but Mike Duncan would have kept his entire team in place.  Katon Dawson and Chip Saltsman, as relative insiders, might have looked for continuity, too.  Right now, continuity isn’t what the GOP needs.

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All I have to say . . . good for him, showing strong, decisive leadership.

lolajl on February 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Eh…

I dunno about the rest of you but if I find the first slice of bread has mold on it the whole loaf goes to the dumpster.

Time to bake a new loaf with fresh ingredients.

Limerick on February 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

go go go Michael!

kirkill on February 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Hope it works

blatantblue on February 6, 2009 at 10:42 AM

Ed,

You must have read Beckel’s ridiculous article about Steele. basically he says Steele is an articulate, decent, faithful, honest hard-working person, who had to overcome being adopted by lower-middle class family. Eventually he went on to excel at Hopkins, become class president and eventually Lt Gov. of a state.

He is the embodiment of conservatism, and yet Beckel seems to disagree with evertyhting he stands for…he makes no sense. Beckel is an elitist idiot.

joepub on February 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

The true definition of hope and change, finally.

sherry on February 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Clean house.

It needs it.

progressoverpeace on February 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Only time will tell if Steele has the right ideas to get the GOP back into power.

Maxx on February 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Disaster in the making.

Anita on February 6, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Balls of Steele.

maineconservative on February 6, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Don’t pander. Even panderers know they are wrong. They’re like little kids who crave limits.

Give’em all conservative limits Michael!

Principles. Principles. Principles.

Less government = Better government

Let’s roll.

ex-Democrat on February 6, 2009 at 10:46 AM

I dunno about the rest of you but if I find the first slice of bread has mold on it the whole loaf goes to the dumpster.

Time to bake a new loaf with fresh ingredients.

Limerick on February 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

I’m cheap so I just slice off the end and inspect the rest before I eat it.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Out with the old, in with the new. I think this is great.

becki51758 on February 6, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Good. The Republican leadership wasn’t worth $hit the last few cycles. They got bamboozeled into thinking they had to fall to their knees in a pool of pi$$ at the feet of the moderates.

Steele is a true conservative, which is exactly what the country and Republican party needs.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM

No secret that the GOP (thanks in large part to George W. Bush) lost its way and n many ways became Democrats Lite (while the Democrats became Socialists). We should start by relegating the RINO’s to the back bench (and hopefully replacing some of them) – Juan McCain, Miss Lindsey Graham, Arlen Spector need to be marginalized (thank God Chuck Hagel is gone). Too bad we lost two good men in Rick Santorum and George Allen. Also some of the more hot button social issues we need to back slightly off on and concentrate on lower taxes and smaller government.

Hilts on February 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM

D.C. insiders have a long habit of putting their personal gain/grievances ahead of any overall benefits, so with such a widespread change, it will be interesting to see how many soon-to-be-ex RNC staffers decide one of their top priorities now will be the leaking of negative comments/information about the new RNC chairman.

jon1979 on February 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Welcoming the message that it sends to the population.

Steele has a difficult task ahead of him, which is to convince voters that the GOP has changed and learned from two successive electoral defeats.

That sums it up for me.

canditaylor68 on February 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM

At last!

ExTex on February 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM

I’m cheap so I just slice off the end and inspect the rest before I eat it.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Not me. I’m cheap too, but I’m phobic about spoiled food, especially milk, which I throw out at just the hint of it being spoiled.

I will say that part of me wishes he’d look at everyone first, but this is probably what the party needs.

Esthier on February 6, 2009 at 10:51 AM

Is it too much to ask for McCain’s resignation as well?

…ohh …did I say that out loud?

regal on February 6, 2009 at 10:51 AM

Very interesting, can’t wait to see what he does next. And I mean that honestly.

4shoes on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

Speaking of shaking things up, how about the rumor that Mitt Romney is considering moving to NV to take on Harry Reid in 2010?

race42008.com/2009/02/05/mitt-romney-to-take-on-harry-reid-in-epic-2010-senate-battle/

JA on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

Right now, continuity isn’t what the GOP needs

You got that right.

I have complete faith in Steele to do the right thing.

JetBoy on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

He is doing what we should be doing and that is to CLEAN HOUSE OF EVERY STINKING ROTTING RINO in both the Congress and Senate, starting with McLame and his boyfriend Gram and the ENTIRE “gang” of 4 / 8 / 14 this and that…

FIRE THEM ALL, replace with Conservatives = WINNING!

Mark Garnett on February 6, 2009 at 10:53 AM

…ohh …did I say that out loud?

regal on February 6, 2009 at 10:51 AM

You’ll have to ask the person sitting near you.

Esthier on February 6, 2009 at 10:54 AM

JA on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

Why Nevada? Mormon vs. Mormon battle?

Esthier on February 6, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Steele has a difficult task ahead of him, which is to convince voters that the GOP has changed and learned from two successive electoral defeats.

I don’t get it. The previous two electoral defeats had nothing to do with RNC leadership. The 2006 debacle was due to Republican ethical issues(not sure how the RNC can fix that) and spending(failure of House and Senate Republican leadership). The 2008 presidential failure was due to a primary system that gave us a non-candidate. I s’pose Steele could “Dean-erize” the Repubican primary, but that trick gave us BHO.

I wish Steele all the best, but he’s got a Herculean task…

Diogenes Online on February 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

IT’S BROKE !

stenwin77 on February 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Please do not use either the words “hope” or “change” with regard to the Republican party, I beg of you.

turfmann on February 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Steele is a true conservative, which is exactly what the country and Republican party needs.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Sorry…. affirmative action… Global Warming… other stances show him as a moderate, not a “True Conservative”.

I’ve been trying to figure out his philosophy, but so far some of his positions belie his stated beliefs…

Jurys out… his selections for staff, and THEIR beliefs, will be a huge indicator of where he is trying to take the party, because Staff IS Policy…. a truth that Obama wants to deny.

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 10:57 AM

This reminds me of Tom Hanks in “Turner & Hooch”, when he finds something moldy in the refrigerator. The entire fridge gets scoured!

Clean out the folks who are comfortable in their compromise, Mr. Steele. Comrpromise is what got the RNC in the mess it’s in now.

AubieJon on February 6, 2009 at 10:57 AM

I will echo many of the positive comments here – I like what Steele is doing – CLEAN HOUSE.

Now some the hard part – interviewing and refilling the GOP house with competent players. That’s tough – and it will prove to be the true measure of Steele’s own competence!

Easy to fire – hard to hire.

jake-the-goose on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Steele is NOT a conservative! He’s pro abortion rights. He’s pro gay rights. And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Lead from the Front

jp on February 6, 2009 at 10:59 AM

The outlook is hopeful if for no other reason than the complete and utter incompetence of both the current administration and the 111th congress.

My collie says:

Obama, Pelosi, and Reid are Steele’s best and most formidable allies at this juncture.

CyberCipher on February 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM

As much as I thank John McCain for introducing Sarah Palin to national politics I cannot allow sentiment to enter into my decision to call for his defeat in the Republican Senate primary in 2010. With Obama hell-bent to implement his Marxist agenda, the bipartisanship which McCain preaches as fervently as a Baptish preacher is passe; what we need are Senators who have the backbone to stand up to Obama, stand up for conservative principles, and even more importantly stand up for the American exceptionalism of our forefathers, the documents of the Founding Fathers, the belief in personal initiatve, and the commitment to the free enterprise system, open markets, and economic growth.

technopeasant on February 6, 2009 at 11:01 AM

GOOD. Obviously the current mechanics have been putting together lemons, Yugos, and Pintos for office. Time for some new specialists. They can’t be any worse than the last batch.

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:02 AM

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

You are misinformed – by a wide margin you are misinformed.

Do your research.

jake-the-goose on February 6, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Not me. I’m cheap too, but I’m phobic about spoiled food, especially milk, which I throw out at just the hint of it being spoiled.

Esthier on February 6, 2009 at 10:51 AM

Haven’t you heard? We’re in the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, caused by 8 years of failed policies!!!!!!!11!!!!!1!!!!!ELEVEN!!!

We can’t afford NOT to drink our spoiled milk.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 11:05 AM

Speaking of shaking things up, how about the rumor that Mitt Romney is considering moving to NV to take on Harry Reid in 2010?

JA on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

I’d love to see that. Reid is such a useless dirtbag.

AZCoyote on February 6, 2009 at 11:06 AM

Steele is NOT a conservative! He’s pro abortion rights. He’s pro gay rights. And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Ditto!

Anita on February 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM

Speaking of shaking things up, how about the rumor that Mitt Romney is considering moving to NV to take on Harry Reid in 2010?

race42008.com/2009/02/05/mitt-romney-to-take-on-harry-reid-in-epic-2010-senate-battle/

JA on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

If he wants to do it, he would win. He was strong in the Republican caucuses there, and it’s close to home for him (has a home in Utah, and went to BYU, I believe.) Since becoming Majority Leader, Reid has been playing to national issues more than Nevada issues, and he is vulnerable. It’s doable. Might make it too soon for another run at the big time in 2012 (though he’d sure have the buzz going for him). If he does this and Obama gets 2 terms, he’s sitting pretty for 2016 with Senator added to his resume.

cs89 on February 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM

Seems like a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Those he retains will now be loyal to Steele and his agenda, not the prior regime’s.

I like this guy.

irishspy on February 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM

Right now, continuity isn’t what the GOP needs.

I’d be disappointed in Steele if, after two successive electoral failures he kept the team intact.

highhopes on February 6, 2009 at 11:13 AM

Steele is NOT a conservative! He’s pro abortion rights. He’s pro gay rights. And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Ditto!

Anita on February 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM

*sigh*

I’m beginning to wonder who the real RINO’s really are…

JetBoy on February 6, 2009 at 11:14 AM

interesting to see how many soon-to-be-ex RNC staffers decide one of their top priorities now will be the leaking of negative comments/information about the new RNC chairman.

jon1979 on February 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Another good reason to clear the decks day one… get it over now, no risk of mixed loyalties between those who were kept and those who were booted… don’t let any of the old guard see Steele behind the scenes

phreshone on February 6, 2009 at 11:15 AM

Steele is NOT a conservative! He’s pro abortion rights. He’s pro gay rights. And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Why don’t you wait until he actually does something as RNC chair to launch such a hysterical rant? He’s strategizing for the party not personally voting on gay rights or abortion in the Congress.

highhopes on February 6, 2009 at 11:16 AM

We can’t afford NOT to drink our spoiled milk.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 11:05 AM

It’s too early to throw up.

Esthier on February 6, 2009 at 11:17 AM

*sigh*

I’m beginning to wonder who the real RINO’s really are…

JetBoy on February 6, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Yeah, the one who ran as “independent” than “Republican” (praised by the media for that) & lost.

Anita on February 6, 2009 at 11:19 AM

Say to anyone who hints at supporting the Stimulus package….
.
.
.
You’re Fired!
.
.
.
Then, fire those that hesitated in answering the question.

subbottomfeeder on February 6, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Steele is NOT a conservative! He’s pro abortion rights. He’s pro gay rights. And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

The problem with that statement is that he has not even picked his staff yet, he has not laid out his platform yet, you have no idea of what he is going to do or present, none…and if he ends up not being what you say he is, you will not back off of what you state. Posters never do.

Ditto!

Anita on February 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM

DITTO!

right2bright on February 6, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Its about time.

Too bad they didn’t do this four years ago. If they had, there is a chance we would not now have a clueless boob in the White House.

-Dave

Dave R. on February 6, 2009 at 11:22 AM

Too bad they didn’t do this four years ago. If they had, there is a chance we would not now have a bunch of clueless boobs in the White House.

fixed

phreshone on February 6, 2009 at 11:24 AM

http://www.issues2000.org/Domestic/Michael_Steele_Environment.htm

Heres a pretty good synopsis of Steeles views…

True Conservative? I guess that is in the eye of the beholder…

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Steele is on record saying that the principle of stare decisis should be followed in regards to Roe v Wade. At the risk of being labeled a Steele apologist, this does not, in itself, mean that he supports the practice of abortion.

Michael Reagan wrote a great column in November. His position, one that I strongly agree with, is that the Republican Party is “broken up into separate factions, sometimes barely speaking to one another.” Reagan goes on to say that, “We are attaching ourselves to certain individuals, and as a result we have become a party of people and not a party of principles. We are Romney-ites, or Huckabee or Giuliani devotees, or McCain-ites, or supporters of Gov. Sarah Palin — when we need to be just plain Republicans.

eaglescout1998 on February 6, 2009 at 11:26 AM

He’s pro gay rights.

Well, that’s awful. What we need is someone who doesn’t believe gays have rights.

And he is believer in Government. In other words he’s a RINO!

sabbott on February 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM

I’m pretty sure I believe government exists too. I guess I’m a RINO.

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:29 AM

I’m beginning to wonder who the real RINO’s really are…

JetBoy on February 6, 2009 at 11:14 AM

check the mirror..

right4life on February 6, 2009 at 11:31 AM

Good start, Michael.

Anything less in our current circumstances would have been disappointing. If there are some who merit re-hiring, hire them back one at a time.

petefrt on February 6, 2009 at 11:32 AM

It’s great that he is cleaning house of the dirt bags in the RNC.
However, it’s time to clean house in Washington, DC. RINOS need to be extinct in this party.
We need conservative candidates to go against John McLame and others.

jencab on February 6, 2009 at 11:32 AM

Michael Steele, fresh off of his fourth-ballot victory, wants to put his own imprint on the party

I thought he won on the sixth ballot Ed ?

D0WNT0WN on February 6, 2009 at 11:33 AM

With the rush to get more of the northest and the west to come on board he better not take the south and the social conservatives for granted. If not the whole thing could go “GO SOUTH” very fast.

KBird on February 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM

eaglescout1998 on February 6, 2009 at 11:26 AM

I think the broader point is that the Republican Party has many positions… but no philosophy.

Its platform is not consistant, and seems to shift with who is in a Leadership position.

How can you call youself a Party of Law and Order… which they used to be… and then be for Amnesty for Illegals?

How can you be the Party of Small Government, and then propose and pass the No child left behind bill… which Federalized Education (without bothering to spend the money on it).

How can you be for Free Markets, and then also be for CO2 Cap and Trade (as the last Repub Candidate was…).

How can you be for limited and clearly delineated Federal Powers… and then have Bush use the War Powers Act, with Congressional Approval, to invade TWO countries without a Declaration of War?

I could go on… and on… and on… but the Republicans have for years now taken Positions on issues that belie the supposed underlieing philosophy of the Party.

Steele continues in this meme… IMO.

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Change WE can believe in? I hope so!

After asking for the resignations, Steele will have to rebuild with SOMEBODY, which means some of the the resigned aides will be rehired, at least those who share Steele’s philosophy. Hopefully Steele has the “judgment” to choose aides who can clearly articulate positions the voters want.

One of George W. Bush’s major failures was COMMUNICATION. He had many good ideas, but couldn’t explain them to people, and he never really offered strong, coherent rebuttals to smears by the liberal press, so voters started believing the press and turning against Bush. As Lenin said, if a lie is repeated often enough, people will believe it. Especially if no rebuttal is offered.

We need spokespeople and candidates who can clearly and concisely explain conservative principles and policies and why they work, and why voters should want them implemented. We also need COMPETENCE–people who can both talk the talk and walk the walk, both campaign AND govern, with a firm steady hand, able to face unexpected emergencies.

Michael Steele probably has two advantages that other RNC chairmen lack–his race and his urban background. Unlike a white Republican, no one can criticize Steele for “playing the race card” against Obama, so open-minded voters can concentrate strictly on policy disagreements without regard to race or “tolerance”. His urban background also helps–he has experienced first-hand what has happened to inner cities, and can better relate to the people in them than those raised in suburbs or rural areas. For too long, Republicans have ignored the inner cities, and lost statewide elections (for President, Senate, and Governor) by winning many rural counties, but losing one or two big cities by an 80%-20% margin or worse. We need candidates who can clearly explain how conservative policies can revitalize big cities (as Giuliani did in New York). If Republicans can get 40% of the urban vote, they can win big in statewide elections, and Steele might be the man who can lead this effort.

Steve Z on February 6, 2009 at 11:35 AM

I think these newer Black political leaders completely understand the disasterous effects of welfare and affirmitive action. Urban blacks are the most socialistic people in the US. They elect far left candidates, and have more socalistic programs than any other segment of the population, and they remain at the bottom of economic and social acheivement. These guys like Steele and Obama know that.

The trick is to engineer a shift without angering their black brothers. Victimhood is entrenched, and it has decimated personal responsibility in the lower income black community. Turning that culture around is tough work, but it must be done if blacks are to elevate themselves to the same standards as everyone else.

Affirmative action and welfare are socialism, and they are an abject failure. Personal responsibility, education, and a hard nosed work ethic are tried and true, and have built the strongest country in the world. Socialism creates dependent flunkies that always get conquered by dictators.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 11:35 AM

GOOD. Obviously the current mechanics have been putting together lemons, Yugos, and Pintos for office. Time for some new specialists. They can’t be any worse than the last batch.

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Fate. Must you tempt it so?

TheUnrepentantGeek on February 6, 2009 at 11:37 AM

I’m pretty sure I believe government exists too. I guess I’m a RINO.

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:29 AM

I’m a hardcore fiscal conservative and foreign policy hawk, strong gun rights voter and and pro-life, but because I don’t really give a crap about gay marraige I’m too squishy for a lot of the true conservatives.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM

I’m going to e-mail my resume to the RNC chief of staff right now! What an opportunity!

Lothar on February 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Well done, Chairman Steele. Well done indeed!

t.ferg on February 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard say things like “I can’t stand Pelosi/Reid/Dean…”

And then go ahead and vote in their “Blue Dog” Democrat and Obambi too.

Those that don’t like all of Steele’s positions should just chew on that for a while, and give the guy a chance to win you over. We can’t afford not to (give him a chance, that is)

gippergal1984 on February 6, 2009 at 11:41 AM

It’s a change 10 years too late! I might even refer to myself as a republican again if this actually means that the GOP has decided that they want to be conservatives again.

flytier on February 6, 2009 at 11:44 AM

Fate. Must you tempt it so?

TheUnrepentantGeek on February 6, 2009 at 11:37 AM

We have Obama and a Democratically dominated Congress. Please tell me how much worse it can get.

I’m a hardcore fiscal conservative and foreign policy hawk, strong gun rights voter and and pro-life, but because I don’t really give a crap about gay marraige I’m too squishy for a lot of the true conservatives.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Don’t you love that? One social issue that seems to be primarily centered around theological stances apparently defines an ideology.

Am I the only one that is more than a little disturbed by that notion?

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:46 AM

In addition to fiscal consevatism, smaller government, and a strong military, the issue that matters very much to me is my 2nd amendment right.

When any politician starts messing with that, they are walking on the fighting side of me.

That ammendment was put in there to insure the population has the means to protect itself from a government run amock. And what i am seeing now is very troubling.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 11:49 AM

this is nice, but meaningless if the elected republican reps don’t change…

right4life on February 6, 2009 at 11:51 AM

Don’t you love that? One social issue that seems to be primarily centered around theological stances apparently defines an ideology.

Am I the only one that is more than a little disturbed by that notion?

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:46 AM

Nope.

JetBoy on February 6, 2009 at 11:51 AM

Steele is on record saying that the principle of stare decisis should be followed in regards to Roe v Wade. At the risk of being labeled a Steele apologist, this does not, in itself, mean that he supports the practice of abortion.

eaglescout1998 on February 6, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Which I believe is also the position of the Chief Justice, isn’t it?

Red State State of Mind on February 6, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Please do not use either the words “hope” or “change” with regard to the Republican party, I beg of you.

turfmann on February 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Heh! Seriously, those words are tainted now.

4shoes on February 6, 2009 at 11:55 AM

We are attaching ourselves to certain individuals, and as a result we have become a party of people and not a party of principles. We are Romney-ites, or Huckabee or Giuliani devotees, or McCain-ites, or supporters of Gov. Sarah Palin — when we need to be just plain Republicans.“

eaglescout1998 on February 6, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Speak for yourself. There is no Republican politician other than maybe John Cornyn I agree with. Lidnsey Graham, Capt’n amnesty, and all the other lightweights should be gone as far as I’m concerned.

God bless Ronald Reagan. I mis him so.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 11:55 AM

With the rush to get more of the northest and the west to come on board he better not take the south and the social conservatives for granted.
KBird on February 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM

With all due respect KB, how on earth could Steele take Social and Evangelical conservatives more for granted than the people that ran the past two elections?

McCain lost by simply assuming those groups would fall in line and vote for him. By and large they did but they didn’t do any of the grassroots stuff that might have made a difference. Steele’s first priority needs to organize and energize the base (much of which is in the South) behind a coherent conservative message- not the Democrat-lite message of RINOs like McCain.

highhopes on February 6, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Good for Steele; Milt Milquetoast he ain’t. Besides, if either Saltsman, with his moronic Obama CD or DVD, or Dawson, with his longtime membership in a whites-only club, had won, we would not be seeing Daschle go down, that chief of the make-work-office withdraw, Solis be held to the fire, or the stimulus package be opposed this week.

The only thing the media would have covered is how racist the GOP is.

Face it, critics. Steele is a Godsend.

BuckeyeSam on February 6, 2009 at 12:06 PM

As long as he doesn’t hire Nicole Wallace, I’m good with it.

sandspur on February 6, 2009 at 12:06 PM

I see nothing but good in this news.

ashleymatt on February 6, 2009 at 12:07 PM

behind a coherent conservative message- not the Democrat-lite message of RINOs like McCain.

highhopes on February 6, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Concur… but the first thing that needs to happen is to figure out WHAT that messege should be.

I can’t seem to figure out what the Republican party stands for any more.

And choosing Steele to lead it, just confuses me even more.

Take Second Amendment for instance… Steele is on record saying that Gun Control is OK… and yet its been a historic Plank of the GOP to fight Gun Control…

The process has become bass ackwards… where people are not joining the party because they agree with the party… but the Party is changing based on the beliefs of whoever happens to have been voted into a Leadership Position…

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 12:08 PM

The GOP does need a house cleaning. Then on to a House & Senate cleaning, and finally a White House cleaning.

rbj on February 6, 2009 at 12:12 PM

It’s a good start.

kanda on February 6, 2009 at 12:18 PM

Excellent move by Steele if you ask me. Why would you want to keep around the losers that ran the GOP into the ground in the first place?

thirteen28 on February 6, 2009 at 12:22 PM

One great thing Steele need to do is push Pat Buchanan and Juan McCain out of their self-appointed roles of “Conservative Icon” on the talk-show circuit!

drunyan8315 on February 6, 2009 at 12:28 PM

The question is will he replace them with tax cheats?

Elric66 on February 6, 2009 at 12:29 PM

I’m a hardcore fiscal conservative and foreign policy hawk, strong gun rights voter and and pro-life, but because I don’t really give a crap about gay marraige I’m too squishy for a lot of the true conservatives.

BadgerHawk on February 6, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Don’t you love that? One social issue that seems to be primarily centered around theological stances apparently defines an ideology.

Am I the only one that is more than a little disturbed by that notion?

MadisonConservative on February 6, 2009 at 11:46 AM

I’m actualy in agreement with you both. One position or two of disagreement is NOT any reason for anyone to consider you or your opinions not Conservative. We have so much, much more in common.

Mark Garnett on February 6, 2009 at 12:37 PM

I’d like to see the primaries start somewhere other than Iowa and New Hampshire. It would help keep us from having someone like McCain inflicted on us before the true base could vote on any candidates. Mr. Steele, can you help make it happen?

golfer1 on February 6, 2009 at 12:44 PM

Speaking of shaking things up, how about the rumor that Mitt Romney is considering moving to NV to take on Harry Reid in 2010?

race42008.com/2009/02/05/mitt-romney-to-take-on-harry-reid-in-epic-2010-senate-battle/

JA on February 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM

Where isn’t he running? California Gov or Senator, Mass Senator, NV Senator…

Don’t get me wrong, I like Mitt and voted for him in the CA primary, but single some intentions. Or, at least squelch the rumors.

juanito on February 6, 2009 at 12:52 PM

Steele is a true conservative, which is exactly what the country and Republican party needs.

saiga on February 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Steele is a fiscal conservative who favors low taxes and generally less regulation. But, Steele is a bit wobbly on pro-life issues and, at one point, appeared to favor gun control. I honestly do not know where Steele stands on defense issues.

I really hope that the party’s base can influence Steele’s views on gun control and smack some sense into him about global “climate change.” But, at bottom, this party has been lacking serious fiscal conservatism, and Steele looks to me to be the man to get the job done.

Outlander on February 6, 2009 at 12:53 PM

But, at bottom, this party has been lacking serious fiscal conservatism, and Steele looks to me to be the man to get the job done.

Outlander on February 6, 2009 at 12:53 PM

Sorry, but just how do Fiscal Conservatism, and Government intervention on Global Warming coexist in a coherent philosophy?

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM

I’d like to see the primaries start somewhere other than Iowa and New Hampshire.

I would like to see the primaries held on the same day. I don’t want to infringe upon the sovereignty of the states to enact their own election laws. However, when selecting the party’s nominee for President of the United States, there should be a standard for all 50 states.

My state’s primary was held on Super Tuesday, and it seemed as though McCain became the presumptive nominee right then and there, in spite of the fact that several other states had yet to hold their primary elections.

eaglescout1998 on February 6, 2009 at 1:07 PM

Global Warming coexist in a coherent philosophy?

Romeo13 on February 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM

I haven’t found much on his stance, do you have a quote or a link regarding his global warming beliefs?

right2bright on February 6, 2009 at 1:08 PM

When I read this last night, it reminded me of the movie Hoffa.

Fire everyone the first day.

Nice, Steele. Time to take out the garbage.

madmonkphotog on February 6, 2009 at 1:17 PM

Eaglescout1998, I agree. We in Texas also voted during Super Tuesday, so my vote for Duncan Hunter was meaningless.

golfer1 on February 6, 2009 at 1:18 PM

Booya! Great start, Chairman Steele.
First thing, we need to have all states, all voices speak on one SUPER DUPER TUESDAY. No more Iowa or NH Moonbats giving us a crap candidate.

HornetSting on February 6, 2009 at 1:24 PM

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