Vote for new RNC chairman under way; Update: Steele drops out, endorses Cino; Update: Priebus on the brink of victory; Update: Priebus wins; Update: Correction added
posted at 3:33 pm on January 14, 2011 by Allahpundit
There are five candidates in the race, but let’s face it: As far as most readers are concerned, this is a contest between Steele and Not Steele. After three rounds of balloting, with 85 votes needed to win, the ice beneath his feet has already begun to crack. He pulled 44 votes in the first round but has been ebbing ever since, landing in second with 33 votes in round three. The rumor on Twitter is that the U.S. territories like Guam, which comprise his base of support, are poised to throw their support to someone else in round four, so the end might finally be near.
If you’re late to this story and wondering where the anti-Steele sentiment is coming from among the base, take two minutes to read this mind-bender from the Journal. I needed an aspirin afterward. We’ve known for ages that big donors have been abandoning the RNC (follow that last link and behold the eyepopping numbers vis-a-vis the DNC); what we didn’t know, or at least I didn’t, was that Steele apparently wasn’t doing much to try to keep them. Exit quotation: “You can’t even dream of winning in 2012 with that kind of operation.”
Update: Fourth round results are in and Steele is now down to 28 votes, tied for third. I assume he’ll drop out before round five.
Update: Surprise: According to Dave Weigel, who’s reporting live from the RNC meeting, Steele is … staying in for the next round.
Update: Weigel was wrong. Finally, finally, Steele is out. He’s endorsing Maria Cino, who also happens to be Boehner’s pick and an establishment favorite. She’s also a Bush pal, so she should have no trouble getting big donors on the phone if she wins.
Erick Erickson wrote a post about Cino a few days ago describing her as a bit too establishment for grassroots tastes. Quote: “Were I an RNC committeeman … I would be deeply worried about the rift between the tea party movement and the RNC right now.”
Update: Round five results: Priebus 67, Cino 40, Anuzis 32, Wagner 28. Priebus can clinch if he can convince any of the others to drop out and endorse him.
Update: Geez, even Steele’s endorsement isn’t worth much. After round six, Priebus is just five votes away. Results: Priebus 80, Cino 34, Anuzis 37, Wagner 17. Unless the last three can come to sort of consensus candidate among them and convince all of their supporters to line up behind him/her, Priebus should clinch in the next round.
Update: And on the seventh ballot, Reince Priebus finally clinches. Results: Priebus 97, Anuzis 43, Cino 28. Wagner dropped out shortly beforehand without endorsing anyone. The main reaction on Twitter at the moment appears to be, “How do you pronounce ‘Reince’?”
Here’s Steele’s farewell speech. Memo to “Reince”: Start fundraising today.
Update: Dave Weigel e-mails to say that his report of Steele staying in the race earlier wasn’t “wrong.” In fact, another reporter was there when he said it. Steele simply changed his mind from one moment to the next. Duly noted.
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The party needs to gather an advisory panel or something like that made up of all different aspects of thought of the party. Make it from people who are NOT candidates themselves for office. I would like to see public round-table discussions. Have some politicians participate where the “elders” query them on why they did this or why they did that, etc.
The RNC needs to act more as an ideological compass and not just a money channel.
crosspatch on January 14, 2011 at 5:30 PM
PEACE
blatantblue on January 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Who the hell is Priebus?
Well – when I do a “Google” on his name – I don’t come up with any results that say … “100 PERCENT ENDORSED BY THE TEA PARTY” …
Therefore – I’m assuming that this guy is just another ruling class crony.
Translation – NO MONEY FOR RNC from this boy until I see otherwise.
HondaV65 on January 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Great choice! Anyone who led the party like he did in WI to take out Feingold and elect a Republican Governor has my full support.
My monthly donation will start again to the RNC. Stopped it for the way the RNC was being run but now have the confidence that Priebus will usher in a new era at the RNC and hire the best people not a group of college kids who have been annoying when they come out to the states to tell everyone how to run campaigns and don’t have a clue in special elections about the states they are visiting.
PhiKapMom on January 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Agreed, although I might give the RGA.
WisRich on January 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM
With a French accent.
Cheshire Cat on January 14, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Prince. Prince Regis.
IronDioPriest on January 14, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Who?
RealMc on January 14, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Hay-lee Bahr-burr.
KingGold on January 14, 2011 at 5:36 PM
Maybe he should use his middle name, since his last name sounds like a hybrid car. Hope we get a lot of mileage out of him!
Steve Z on January 14, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Is that his only qualification? He took out Fiengold? Did he do that all on his own?
HondaV65 on January 14, 2011 at 5:38 PM
I am of the opinion that more votes is better than less votes.
You don’t need to get rid of anyone… just prove your case.
The facts are with us. Politicians want to protect themselves.
Grow the party by persuasion. And some education.
petunia on January 14, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Are they a bunch of dupniks? To dupnik or not to dupnik, that is the duption. You can’t fix dupnik.
Cheshire Cat on January 14, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Until he gives me a reason not to support him I will.
Guest1.1 on January 14, 2011 at 5:40 PM
Are they a bunch of dup-niks or what? To dup-nik or not to dup-nik, that is the dup-tion. You can’t fix dup-nik.
Cheshire Cat on January 14, 2011 at 5:40 PM
If you’re going to act like this for two more damn years because Steele didn’t get re-elected, Riceburner, then get used to disappointment.
KingGold on January 14, 2011 at 5:40 PM
Seconded.
russcote on January 14, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Meanwhile John MCCain, in Washington Post, slobbering over Obama’s pep rally, the commenters there are fell***** MCCain on being a statesman?
bigmike on January 14, 2011 at 5:43 PM
crosspatch on January 14, 2011 at 5:21 PM
I understand how you feel. But the gap between the “red” and “blue” in Wisconsin is massive. The real power in my home state belongs to the independents. Voter ID is pretty even between the two party’s, but independents outnumber both by a small percent. The Tea Party in Wisconsin is made up of mostly independents and former GOP voters who left the party. The pros in the GOP are grassroots operators, they must have been pretty impressed with how Priebus was able to meld the groups together. Above all, they understand that the GOP as we know it no longer exists.
flackcatcher on January 14, 2011 at 5:44 PM
For those of you wondering who Reince is, he is from Wisconsin and did an outstanding job here in helping to get Scott Walker and Ron Johnson elected. I wouldnt call him 100% tea party endorsed; however, he isnt “establishment” either. He knows how to fundraise. He knows how to unite people. He understands Tea Partiers play an important role, and without them the GOP is toast. You may not have heard of him; however, I promise you wont be disappointed. We in Wisconsin are sorry to lose him, but look forward to him cleaning up the RNC.
karen32862 on January 14, 2011 at 5:46 PM
I laughed. (:D
darwin-t on January 14, 2011 at 5:52 PM
00:51
Target?
Ground game?
Are we allowed to talk like that anymore?
pain train on January 14, 2011 at 6:00 PM
Did we seriously just elect a damn cheesehead???? Wow. Count this Minnesotan out of supporting the RNC for the foreseeable future.
Nelsen on January 14, 2011 at 6:17 PM
That’s great news!
LASue on January 14, 2011 at 6:18 PM
civility fellas. remember what big daddy said.
ted c on January 14, 2011 at 6:19 PM
A note to all (including me) who have been watching this closely for a while.
This position is NOT a PR position. It is not a campaign position (as in campaign coordinator, campaign chairman, or other such title).
I don’t give a flying Olberman who this fellow is, i.e., how well “known” he is on the airwaves. I don’t care if I never see him give an interview, though that’s not entirely realistic.
This is an organizational position. It requires hard work, incredible passion and tireless tree-shaking. Organization. Fund raising. Grassroots structures. Web campaign design and implementation.
I’ve had enough of a Chairperson who was always on the tube and seldom on the ground. Or on the phone. Or twisting an arm. Holding donors upside down and shaking the last nickel from their pocket.
His Highness is said, in this morning’s news reports, to be gearing up a ONE BILLION dollar re-election campaign for 2012. I don’t care if the next Chair of the RNC’s name is Marie Antoinette, if he/she can stand in the ring with what’s coming from the politically insane wing of the D Party and hold his own.
So, for me, “Who?” is a compliment.
IndieDogg on January 14, 2011 at 6:33 PM
I’ll hold my support of RNC for a bit. Meanwhile, Sen. Jim Demint has sent a fundrsiser that includes 28 gummed labels similar to address labels. They say:
The new RNC guy is already late without a major conservative operation.
Caststeel on January 14, 2011 at 6:55 PM
I watched Reine’s RNC self-promo video a while back, and was very impressed. He’s telegenic and enthusiastic. Cheese or no cheese, he’ll do great.
leftnomore on January 14, 2011 at 6:56 PM
He gets a clean slate folks.
Let’s let him do his thing, and see if he crashes & burns on his own.
portlandon on January 14, 2011 at 6:59 PM
Even faster, let’s see how the left treats him. Heh.
Caststeel on January 14, 2011 at 7:05 PM
I’m sure Mitt Romney is happy to see Steele go after his comments about Romney’s faith.
Goodbye Mr. Steele. We won’t miss you.
Conservative Samizdat on January 14, 2011 at 7:19 PM
Just pronouncing “Reince Priebus” correctly will keep the libertards tied up for months.
GarandFan on January 14, 2011 at 7:22 PM
I did and then find out Haley Barbour has been giving money (some of it mine) to ultra social libs in Massachusetts in a race for governor against a man who was actually the more fiscally conservative, too. Unbelievable… No more of my money goes through a middle man. I don’t trust any of them to use it as I would.
pannw on January 14, 2011 at 7:35 PM
I don’t know who this Priebus is, but Dan Riehl is not too thrilled with him. He’s seriously thinking the GOP is going to go the way of the dinosaurs. Apparently Priebus’ law firm supports Obamacare and thinks it’s constitutional? Also, he either trained or worked for the NAACP a few years back? Does anyone have any information on this? What’s going on with the RNC??
KickandSwimMom on January 14, 2011 at 7:57 PM
1. Steele was better than the previous RNC chairman.
2. Steele was better than the top alternative 2 years ago…
3. Steele was better than the DNC chairman, Tim Kaine
I’m extremely disappointed in his endorsement of Cino though…I wanted either Ann Wagner or Saul Anuzis…
ninjapirate on January 14, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Only $22 mil to raise to get into the
blackout of the red.Inanemergencydial on January 14, 2011 at 8:27 PM
Assume away..but realize, despite what crank Dan Riehl believes, this is the man that turned Wisconsin from Blue to Red. Russ Feingold? Gone. Jim Doyle? Gone. Democrat control of the State Legislature? Gone. David Obey? Gone.
StevefromMKE on January 14, 2011 at 8:32 PM
Sounds good. I’ll support the new guy. Hopefully he doesn’t fark it up.
El_Terrible on January 14, 2011 at 8:37 PM
It is fitting that Steele’s long history of not picking winners should end by not picking the winner.
Good riddance, ye could not have done more damage had ye been a saboteur – were you?
Merovign on January 14, 2011 at 8:38 PM
Reince Priebus
ReiNCe PRieBuS
R NC PR B S
RNC PR BS
ha ha ha
Dave Rywall on January 14, 2011 at 9:08 PM
karen32862 on January 14, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Gracelynn on January 14, 2011 at 9:19 PM
So this guy vaporized all those Dims? How exactly did he do that?
I’m not sure here … if I DO NOT give Mike Steele credit for the national GOP victories, then how can we give this guy credit for the wins in WI?
I mean – we already know there were multiple dynamics at play in the election – and the major dynamic was voter outrage at the Dims. Soooo … I’m not so sure I’d hop off and make this guy the Saint of Wisconsin just yet.
HondaV65 on January 14, 2011 at 9:23 PM
I like Steele pesonnally but I don’t think he did a good job as the head of the RNC. Not having the money for a 72 hour ground game befoe the midterm because of all the bad press and inattention to fundraising was inexcusable. I hope he lands somewhere else where his personality can be an asset.
CCRWM on January 14, 2011 at 9:45 PM
He’s a winner for sure.
Grow Fins on January 14, 2011 at 9:50 PM
I’m sure your desires weighed heavily on their decision.
BDavis on January 14, 2011 at 9:59 PM
You must have shiite your panties in a righteous froth when the dearly departed killer Ted Kennedy referred to Obama as “Osama bin Laden…er…Osama Obama…er…Obama”. You and your weak constitution, how do you get through the day?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YaRpx3LphI
Bishop on January 14, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Private donations.
Key West Reader on January 14, 2011 at 10:12 PM
He and Ted have a lot in common.
Grow Fins on January 14, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Thank you for reporting that the left is “scared sh1tless”.
P. Monk on January 14, 2011 at 11:04 PM
I’ve been waiting and waiting. How in the heck DO you pronounce “Reince Priebus”? All I’m getting is ‘lather, “Reince”, repeat. o_0}
NTXLass on January 15, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Awwwwww….thanks for the update AP between you and Weigel…
DCJeff on January 15, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Who cares. The RNC is irredeemable as is. When Palin wins she’ll uproot the establishment.
rrpjr on January 15, 2011 at 1:25 AM
The RNC will be dissolved from the bottom-up. Expect the State chapters to start asserting themselves against the National portion of the party and demanding accountability on spending, income, and who the RNC is meeting with. At some point this ancient 20th century structure will need to go so as to have a more 21st century, decentralized structure put in place that is not dependent upon the RNC for much of anything beyond some National events. No matter how much money it brings in, it is concentrated into the hands of a few… that must end.
ajacksonian on January 15, 2011 at 7:36 AM
You admit to being from Minnesota and have the shortness of sight to criticize anyone? Your state organization gave us Stuart Smalley and MANY insane liberal policies.
Your credibility, because of your choice of RNC leaders, is non existent.
csdeven on January 15, 2011 at 8:25 AM
RNC has fronted itself with a “friendly” to the tea party movement social Christian conservative. I’m comfortable with the hot button requirement for photo ID to vote. And I’m firmly against tax funds used for abortions or clinics that abort. But I doubt that being against “earmarks” is anything more than saying what is expected to get votes without any commitment to actually raise funds and direct campaign support to elect officials to CUT GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACIES AND PROGRAMS in order to deliver means for fiscal solvency for Americans and the USA while delivering constitutional governance.
maverick muse on January 15, 2011 at 8:42 AM
According to his wikipedia entry he has all the right conservative credentials. I’m of the mind let’s give this guy a chance. Also according to wiki, his first name is pronounced “rains”.
abcurtis on January 15, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Careful there pitting expectations v. reality.
I’m certainly for rescinding corruption. But I also recognize what happens politically to “win” a national election given polar forces at play. No one leader once elected can alone uproot corruption without alliance and support. Palin can certainly lead her supporters. But beware that those who ally with Palin don’t use her for their own benefit to sabotage efforts to uproot corruption.
For personal security sake, make the distinction between constitutional governance v. authoritarianism when discussing “the establishment” in order to clarify that the argument is for the Constitution and Rule of Law to exercise integrity in our governance.
As constitutional conservatives, we require governing officials abide by the Constitution and limit their exercise of power to what is specifically granted therein. We also denounce the corruption of our government (officials and socialist/authoritarian bureaucracies). We repudiate official abuses of power as each branch persistently usurps authority from another. We denounce the authoritarianism that has burgeoned to permeate every aspect of life in America, destroying any concept of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness from existence. We will not forfeit our rights as US citizens in order to accommodate authoritarians and their “bipartisan” apologists whose bread is buttered by being progressive.
maverick muse on January 15, 2011 at 9:09 AM
ditto with a grain of salt
maverick muse on January 15, 2011 at 9:12 AM
Ed Morrissey for RNC Chair!
Oops…am I too late?
percysunshine on January 15, 2011 at 9:47 AM
The ink isn’t dry on the ballots. Let’s give the guy an opportunity. He’s starting the job in a $20M hole, dug by the previous guy. The Rs have a long way to go toward getting the trust back.
Kissmygrits on January 15, 2011 at 9:55 AM
Wisconsin was the state where the GOP performed best in 2010. There were essentially no candidates to challenge Feingold, except for some squishy Madison-Republicans that would lose anyways. Priebus encouraged and supported Ron Johnson and gave him credibility and support that was useful in challenging Feingold.
He was essential in finding/recruiting candidates such as Sean Duffy as well.
vaerris on January 15, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Reince Priebus: Sounds like something that should be on a dollar bill. Or a line in Gladiator. “My name is Maximus Reince Priebus, Commander of the Armies of the RNC, General of the Tea Party Legions, loyal servant to the true empress, Sarahcus Palinus. Father to a murdered politcal party, husband to a murdered democracy. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”
joedoe on January 15, 2011 at 7:51 PM
I happen to have enjoyed Steele, liked his gaffes, even.
But that’s just me.
I don’t think, personally, we’re going to ever return to an era where the RNC or the DNC ropes in the real money.
It’s all changed. But I still liked him alot.
And, I think he took this cuff pretty darn well. Kudos to him.
AnninCA on January 15, 2011 at 8:16 PM
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