The RNC race: It’s Michael Steele

By Michelle Malkin  •  January 30, 2009 02:20 PM

For those of you interested, the balloting is taking place on the Republican National Committee chairmanship.

Incumbent Mike Duncan just pulled out.

Lots of conservatives breathing a sigh of relief. But who will take over?

Hot Air is tracking. Stacy McCain is live at the RNC.

And up-to-the-second reports on Twitter. Just search #rnc or #rncchair. Or go to tcotreport.

Update: Michael Steele is in the lead.

Update: Katy’s Conservative Corner has liveblogging of the proceedings. The latest:

UPDATE: 2:42 Latest vote total: Dawson 62, Steele 60, Anzuis 31, Blackwell 15. Time for Blackwell and Anzuis to think of getting out and making this a two horse race. Many conservatives are complaining that the GOP needs a Black chairman so we can look like we “care” about minorities. Your blogger thinks that choosing a chairman based on race would be for all the wrong reasons.

More soon. RNC is now in a proxy meeting. More soon!

Update: 2:57pm Eastern. Reports that Ken Blackwell is about to withdraw.

Update: 3:07pm Eastern. Blackwell withdraws. “I put my fullest support by the candidate that I think will…inspire hope, work with policy leaders, and have leadership/vision to pull us together and then to pull Americans together…behind Michael Steele.” Burst of applause.

Andy Roth wonders: Will Blackwell’s endorsement translate into actual votes for Steele?

Update 3:28pm Eastern: Steele 79 Dawson 69 Anuzis 20

Anuzis withdraws. No endorsement.

Recess for 15 minutes.

85 votes needed to win. Anuzis holds the kingmaker’s key.

Update 4:06pm Eastern. It’s Michael Steele.

PJTV interview with Steele here.

Flashback: The vile bile we have to put up with.

Flashback: Schumer’s dumpster diving

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Comments


  1. #101
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, chapoutier said:

    He’s got the official White House web site set up like a campaign site, minus the blank to enter your credit card number.

    Well this would be the most important feature of any alleged fundraising site, wouldn’t it?

    And did you take any note of the language I was using? It was word for word what people were saying about Obama for doing the same thing.

    Sheesh.

  2. #102
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 2:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    There must be an uneducated forklift operator out there you folks could rally around.

    THAT is a yawn.

    Having met Michael Steele twice I know I am impressed-the man can get things done. If he is doctrinaire Conservative enough we will see, I think he is, he claims he is.And John McCain he ain’t.

    I have had quite a few fork lift drivers, loaders, and order fillers work for me over the years. ILMC would not do well amongst them with his smart alec mouth—but it would be fun to watch.

  3. #103
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:23 pm, chapoutier said:

    Just think of all those “conservatives” that stayed home and refused to vote for McCain! Look at the damage they did on down ticket races to put you guys in this situation!

    Unlike voting for ANY idiot with a (D) behind his/her name?

    Would you like that list?

  4. #104
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm, chapoutier said:

    The libs like Chappy will start the ragging anew on Palin because they know she is a real conservative with a chance to win back America from the communists.

    I have stated my desire many times that Sarah Palin becomes the facer of the Republican Party. I heartily endorse her nomination in 2012.

  5. #105
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm, ScottG said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, Bill Grant said:
    Yup. With a democrat governor appointing his replacement? Game Over.

    No, sorry. The seat must go to his wife! It’s tradition. Oh wait, that wouldn’t apply to Rs….

  6. #106
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm, chapoutier said:

    Unlike voting for ANY idiot with a (D) behind his/her name?

    Would you like that list?

    Come on soap…I was just trying to get a rise out of Bill.

    And FYI, I voted for 4 dems, 2 repubs and one independent.

  7. #107
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm, Jet Jaguar said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 3:54 pm, bjc said:

    but the only pathway to turning the Republic around is through the GOP;

    I once thought as you do, but it’s like drinking salt water when you are desperately thirsty. It’s a very seductive idea to grab onto, but it just won’t work.

  8. #108
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm, txvet2 said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, chapoutier said:

    You did notice that I referred to the official White House (whitehouse.gov) site, didn’t you? No, I suppose not. Actually, when I first wrote that post, I included the phrase “minus the blank to enter your credit card number”, but I figured everybody here was smart enough to figure that out. My mistake.

  9. #109
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:36 pm, chapoutier said:

    You did notice that I referred to the official White House (whitehouse.gov) site, didn’t you?

    Yes. I see that it talks about Obama and his agenda and whatever briefings the Press Office has for the day.

    Kinda like it did with Bush, the few times I visited the site then.

    but I guess you see what you want to see, don’t you?

  10. #110
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:36 pm, txvet2 said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm, chapoutier said:

    The libs like Chappy will start the ragging anew on Palin because they know she is a real conservative with a chance to win back America from the communists.

    I have stated my desire many times that Sarah Palin becomes the facer of the Republican Party. I heartily endorse her nomination in 2012.

    Somehow I just can’t see you pulling the (figurative) lever for her.

  11. #111
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:37 pm, chapoutier said:

    Somehow I just can’t see you pulling the (figurative) lever for her.

    I endorse her nomination. I never said I endorsed her election.

  12. #112
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm, Paul Revere said:

    Let’s roll!

  13. #113
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm, conservativesRus said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, Bill Grant said:

    Well, the best money raiser (Mike Duncan) dropped out.

    I think you forgot to mention “best election loser”.

  14. #114
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm, txvet2 said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm, ScottG said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pm, Bill Grant said:
    Yup. With a democrat governor appointing his replacement? Game Over.

    No, sorry. The seat must go to his wife! It’s tradition. Oh wait, that wouldn’t apply to Rs….

    No, with Republicans it goes to the daughter.

  15. #115
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    What? Caroline not available? She’s more than qualified! :roll:

  16. #116
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:39 pm, bansharia said:

    Dear Mr. Steele,
    Tonight celebrate heck take all weekend if you like.
    Monday the first order of business is to find conservative candidates to run in 2010 against rino GOP senators
    example arlen specter in PA, as well as the dems.
    Just to be clear, you will not get a penny from me by standing aside incumbants.
    hugs,,B

  17. #117
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:39 pm, chapoutier said:

    What? Caroline not available? She’s more than qualified!

    New Hampshire winters wreak havok on her complexion.

  18. #118
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:40 pm, Salt said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 2:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    There must be an uneducated forklift operator out there you folks could rally around.

    Hey, guys. Ilovemycountry bought a thesaurus. Instead of “you people”, he used “you folks”.

    Way to expand the vocabulary, ILMC. Bravo.

    (I’m so proud of the little guy. In a few more years, he might actually make his first real argument.)

  19. #119
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    Congratulations – he doesn’t strike me as very smart or even good for America, but you guys seem to like that about your leaders.

    From Wikipedia:

    “Steele ran for a Maryland United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring senator Paul Sarbanes, but he lost the 2006 election to Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin.”

  20. #120
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:43 pm, Salt said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    From Wikipedia:

    Wow, a thesaurus and a reference to wikipedia in the same day?!

    I feel faint.

  21. #121
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pm, Misscheryl said:

    4:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:
    Congratulations – he doesn’t strike me as very smart or even good for America, but you guys seem to like that about your leaders.

    baaawwaaahhhaaaa!!!!!!

  22. #122
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, flenser said:
    I’m guessing you are a libtard Moby.
    I’m guessing that guessing is not one of your stronger points.

    You had to realize I was typing when you posted, so why the abuse?

  23. #123
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:47 pm, chapoutier said:

    STOP FIGHTING GUYS!

    I hate seeing conservative-on conservative violence!

  24. #124
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:48 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Chap,

    One good jib/jab deserves another. ;)

  25. #125
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:48 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    Losing an election as a Republican in a Dem leaning state isn’t always a bad sign.

    Put it this way, Maine’s two babes have won elections as Republicans in a hevaily Demonratic state, and they have done it by being Demonrat in all but name.

    I think a lot of people’s worry about whether Mitt Romney’s conservatism was real came from the hoops he jumped through, like being pro-abortion before he became pro-life, in order to win in the People’s Republic of Massachusetts.

  26. #126
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:49 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Not sure who likes abuse more:

    lgm or Ihatemycountry

  27. #127
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:50 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    I wasn’t 100% sold on Romney myself, (Duncan Hunter supporter- sent him $25) but when it came down to Romney vs McCain, I, like almost everyone with a brain, realized nobody could be worse than McCain.

  28. #128
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:51 pm, chapoutier said:

    Dem leaning state

    This is like calling the Pope a Christian leaning guy.

    Dems have a 26 point advantage there.

  29. #129
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:55 pm, Salt said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:49 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Not sure who likes abuse more:

    lgm or Ihatemycountry

    Ihatemycountry is a deliberate troll.

    lgm, I think, secretly believes he’s going to save us from this evil conservatism by continuously pointing out how much worse the GOP is (in his mind) all the time. However, he’s had a good joke here and there thrown in and he keeps it cordial. (i.e. I wouldn’t call him a troll except when he’s deliberately trying to change the subject)

    So, in that regard, Ihatemycountry is doing lgm a service by lowering the bar.

  30. #130
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:56 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    Have a nice weekend everybody – you all are awesome.

  31. #131
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:58 pm, nail49 said:

    “Steele ran for a Maryland United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring senator Paul Sarbanes, but he lost the 2006 election to Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin.”

    Hateyourcountry: So he lost a race to a Democrat in trying to replace another Democrat. This happened in a state that is so blue, they have blue crabs! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist).

    If the Dems ran a convicted felon for any office in MD (which they probably have, we just don’t know about it), they can pretty much get close to a majority just because the candidate has a (D) after his/her name.

    I was pleased when Steele was Lt Gov of a blue state and am pleased he is now the GOP chairman (it has nothing to do with furniture or sex).

    Now, let him gird his loins and join the fray. The GOP has new leadership and change is in the air — and I don’t mean the foul stench coming from the Dem’s bailout garbage!

  32. #132
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:58 pm, hunter said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:56 pm, Ilovemycountry said:
    Have a nice weekend everybody – you all are awesome.

    Come on, I would rather be a folk than an all!

  33. #133
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:58 pm, RobM1981 said:

    Now, will Steele clean house? Probably not. He certainly doesn’t have a mandate, with six ballots required. Even if he did, I don’t know if he has the (pardon the pun) steel to de-fund the RINO’s and such.

    Even so, from what I know of him I like him, and I wish him all the best. If he can move the needle even a little bit, his term will be worth it.

  34. #134
    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:59 pm, Salt said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:56 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    Have a nice weekend everybody – you all are awesome.

    you people… you folks… you guys (#119) and now… “You all”

    Don’t waste them all in a single post. You’ll have nothing left for the weekend.

  35. #135
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Virginia Patriot said:

    flenser, thanks for the link and ruining my day! The RNC has just elected a squish as Chairman.

  36. #136
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    Challeneg one- early open primaries in lib leaning states, like New Hampshire.

    IN 2008, since there was a real race for the Dem nomination, it was “Independents” and “Moderates” who gave states like New Hampshire to McCain.

    In 2012, B Hussein O probably runs unchallenged, and Axelrod, Emmanuel and Obama can tell Markos Zuniga who to tell his Kos Kids Klub readers to vote for in the GOP primaries, to really screw any chance of winning 2012.

    I don’t know if they’d pick David Duke or Christine Todd Whitman or Mark Foley or who, but they’d do their best to nominate someone that would make Mondale’s loss to Reagan look respectable.

  37. #137
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:02 pm, flenser said:

    Ihatemycountry is a deliberate troll.

    chappy is doing a good imitation of one on this thread.

  38. #138
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:03 pm, backwoods conservative said:

    Come on, I would rather be a folk than an all!

    As a lifelong southerner I prefer to be part of y’all.

  39. #139
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:03 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Steele will do a fine job.

  40. #140
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:04 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    I found this site that summarizes Steele’s positions.

    He could be more Conservative. He’s pro-life but thinks precedent should be respected. And, he needs a re-direct on Affirmative Action. But, I’m with whoever said earlier that the perfect is the enemy of the good.

  41. #141
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:05 pm, flenser said:

    flenser, thanks for the link and ruining my day!

    Don’t trust, do verify.

    On a bright note, I hear that this Steele fellow is black! That seems to be a big deal these days.

  42. #142
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:08 pm, chapoutier said:

    perfect is the enemy of the good.

    I am pretty sure that was Bill Grant.

    Oh wait no. That was just every other post by Bill Grant.

  43. #143
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:08 pm, flenser said:

    I found this site that summarizes Steele’s positions.

    Dose it tell you stuff like this?

    Aside from his political celebrity — and knack for being a good talking head — there’s little else about the man that would make him a good chairman. While much has been written about his candidacy and the reasons conservatives should be skeptical, time is running out to convince the 168 members of the RNC they should steer clear of him. Here’s why:

    Steele boasts that his chairmanship of GOPAC qualifies him to run the RNC. He cites GOPAC’s work to elect Republicans as good preparation. So how did GOPAC fare under Steele’s leadership? During the 2008 cycle, GOPAC gave 11 candidates seeking U.S. House seats nearly $20,000. Six won and five lost. (See my update, “The Tale of Two GOPACs.”)

    Among GOPAC’s expenditures in 2008 was $5,000 to Steele for Maryland, even though Steele wasn’t on the ballot. The money probably went to pay off Steele’s 2006 campaign debt. It also happened to be the third largest expenditure for GOPAC, raising questions about the organization’s priorities under his leadership.

    Money has been a problem for Steele in the past. Jennifer Skalka of National Journal’s Hotline reported that when Steele’s consulting business struggled financially, two banks threatened to place liens on his house. Although Steele cleared his debts, these financial issues are factors that must be considered for anyone seeking the RNC chairmanship.

    Steele’s well-documented role with the Republican Leadership Council and association with co-founder Christie Todd Whitman is perhaps the most egregious political error he’s made. Any conservative who partners with the liberal Whitman must be viewed skeptically. Steele claims he was trying to broaden the party’s base by appealing to moderates. “We have to elect moderates in the party,” he told CBN’s David Brody.

    One of those moderates Steele supported was former Rep. Wayne Gilchrist, a classic RINO if there ever was one. Gilchrist faced a primary challenge from conservative Andy Harris, a Maryland state senator with strong backing from the Club for Growth. It didn’t matter to Steele. He threw his support to Gilchrist. Harris went on to win the GOP primary, prompting Gilchrist to turn on the GOP and endorse Harris’ Democrat opponent.

    Is this the type of judgment we could expect from Steele at the RNC? The answer is yes. How do we know? As Matt Lewis reported, Steele has tapped Blaise Hazelwood to run his RNC race, meaning there’s a good chance she would follow him to the RNC if he is elected. During the disastrous 2006 election cycle, it was Hazelwood who ran media and political operations for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Recall that the NRSC lost six seats that cycle and, as a result, the Republican majority in the Senate. Under Hazelwood’s direction, the NRSC spent $1.2 million in the GOP primary to save traitorous Lincoln Chafee from a challenge by conservative Steve Laffey.

  44. #144
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:11 pm, Weary Citizen said:

    flenser, I didn’t see it anywhere, but where does Steele stand on illegal immigration? Please don’t tell me he supports “comprehensive immigraiotn reform”.

  45. #145
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:14 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    flenser,
    yeah, we saw that already from you today. Thanks.

    Here’s what his Immigration stand is:

    Opposes amnesty for undocumented workers. (Aug 2006)
    Secure our borders immediately; meaningful reform later. (Aug 2006)

  46. #146
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:14 pm, chapoutier said:

    Under Hazelwood’s direction, the NRSC spent $1.2 million in the GOP primary to save traitorous Lincoln Chafee from a challenge by conservative Steve Laffey.

    Do you know why? Because Laffey would have gotten about 20% of the vote in the general had he gotten the nomination.

    Linc at least gave them a legitimate shot. He may be a RINO, but that little R is pretty quantum when it comes to control of committees.

  47. #147
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:16 pm, Virginia Patriot said:

    I received a fund raising letter from Steele this week, no mention at all of illegal aliens……….. very telling to me. I sent him my last McCain peso.

  48. #148
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:17 pm, Bob1234 said:

    Ilovemycountry said:
    There must be an uneducated forklift operator out there you folks could rally around.

    Interesting idea, but practically speaking I suspect Republican uneducated forklift operators are scarce as hen’s teeth.

  49. #149
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:20 pm, nail49 said:

    I do believe you qualify for the role

    loves2rumba: Hateshiscountry could only qualify as a forklift — they are both useful tools!

  50. #150
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:24 pm, Weary Citizen said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:14 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Thanks Dexter. That’s better than the current clowns running the party into the ground. But I would much rather see a guy who claims “no amensty EVER” and follows up with “attrition and enforcement of the laws”. Anytime, I see secure the border first then we will discuss reform later, a red flag goes up. Ususally, that means reduce illegal entry across the border (not halt completely and ignore the 100 other ways illegals enter) then give amensty. Oh well, will give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

  51. #151
    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:54 pm, Bill Grant said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 5:08 pm, chapoutier said:

    perfect is the enemy of the good.

    I am pretty sure that was Bill Grant.

    Oh wait no. That was just every other post by Bill Grant.

    Redundant, eh? So I don’t need a bigger sledgehammer..

    “Do you know why? Because Laffey would have gotten about 20% of the vote in the general had he gotten the nomination. ”

    I hear the republicans tried to run zombie Reagan but he tried to eat “Buddy” Cianci’s brain and choked on his toupee.

  52. #152
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:02 pm, chapoutier said:

    I hear the republicans tried to run zombie Reagan but he tried to eat “Buddy” Cianci’s brain and choked on his toupee.

    Nice theory, but 1) Buddy was still in jail at the time and 2) he has given up the toupee (he was not allowed to have it in prison).

    I know cause he lives in my building.

  53. #153
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:12 pm, CC said:

    I am ecstatic. I’ve always admired Michael and emailed him a few times in the past to encourage him to run for President.

    Hopefully now our party will start showing some backbone. They actually showed some common sense.

    Well done, Michael.

  54. #154
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:16 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    10 Things You Didn’t know about Michael Steel

    1. Michael Steele, who was adopted as an infant, was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, Md., on Oct. 19, 1958 – AIR FORCE!!! And was born on the most perfect day of the year

    2. He grew up in a family of Democrats. Steele credits his mother, Maebell, and Ronald Reagan with turning him toward the Republican Party. He’s familiar with the Dark Side but turned toward the light.

    3. One of the first in his family to go to college, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Steele also spent a few years at the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University, in preparation for the priesthood – WELL rounded education – I knew I liked him for some reason

    4. After graduating from law school in 1991, Steele joined Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, an international law firm, based in Washington, D.C. In 1997, he left and worked briefly at the Mills Corp., a real estate development firm based in Virginia, as in-house counsel. He then went out on his own, starting a consulting firm, the Steele Group. – lawyer…. hmmmm…. well he was raised in a nest of Democrats…

    5. He was elected chairman of the Maryland Republican Party in December 2000. Destined for greatness

    6. Steele became the first African-American elected to statewide office in Maryland, taking office as lieutenant governor in January 2003 Historically the first elected black in any office is Republican

    7. In 2004, Steele was tapped to speak at the Republican National Convention, That was the year that black guy from Chicago addressed the Copycats Democrats

    8. When Sen. Paul Sarbanes, a Democrat, announced he would not seek re-election, several prominent Republicans, including President Bush, persuaded Steele to run for the Senate seat. Betcha the guy who beats him is out of a job come 2010

    9. On Feb. 1, 2007, Steele was named the chairman of GOPAC, a political action committee working to elect Republicans to office following in the illustrious footsteps of Newt – shame his elected party members didn’t do crap to help him

    10. A devout Catholic, Steele is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Md. He regularly attends services with his wife, Andrea, and their sons, Michael and Drew. Betcha he doesn’t elbow the priest off the alter and make campaign speeches from the pulpit – the Democrats favorite election venue

  55. #155
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:19 pm, purealchemy said:

    Michael Steele is AWESOME! He’s the antidote to Obama. He’s got everything Obama’s got (okay, that’s not saying much) and everthing Obama doesn’t have.
    This is the most exciting thing since Sarah Palin.

  56. #156
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:24 pm, a crapweasel said:

    Congratulations Whig Party, I mean RNC on re-election Mel Martinez, I mean Michael Steele.

  57. #157
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm, lgm said:

    The libs like Chappy will start the ragging anew on Palin because they know she is a real conservative with a chance to win back America from the communists.

    Let’s have Sarah Palin win America back from North Korea, the only remaining Communist country.

    But running the country, like flying a 747, takes skillz. The Palin/McCain campaign crashed.

  58. #158
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm, zyzzyg said:

    Will Rush say that Steele became RNC Chair only because he is black, the same way Rush said Sec Powell supported then Sen Obama only because of race?

    I hope not.

    Sec Powell gave compelling reasons to support then Sen Obama, and there are compelling reasons that former Lt Gov Steele got this post. Anyone, including Rush, who suggests it was because of race, misses the mark by a mile.

  59. #159
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:35 pm, graysonret said:

    It’s good to see Steele. I remember the senate race, where the black people called him all sorts of names…oreo, Uncle Tom, etc.. It proved to me that it wasn’t race; it was liberalism they wanted. They wanted handouts. It also showed me that they weren’t interested in being “free” at all. They much prefered being “slaves” to whoever would give them the biggest handout. I was disgusted. Michael Steele is a man I would vote for in an election.

  60. #160
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:43 pm, William Amos said:
  61. #161
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:57 pm, ofbbg said:

    The first thing Mr. Steele should do is go to Men’s Warehouse and buy a pair of pant with balls in them! That way, we’ll at least know that he has a pair! No more playing nice!! Call the Dems what they are – NeoFascists. (see Mussolini)

  62. #162
    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:58 pm, Bill Grant said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:02 pm, chapoutier said:

    I know cause he lives in my building

    LOL! Of course he does!

    Give my regards to Vincent the next time you catch him snatching your morning paper or siphoning your gas tank. :-)

  63. #163
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:09 pm, ChicagoRobb said:

    Congrats Michael Steele. He is eloquent and very intelligent. Hopefully, he will target the huge black middle class with the truth about the Republican party and conservatism. Many people have conservative values and lifestyles but vote Democrat because “My whole family is Democrats”.

  64. #164
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:10 pm, Micheleeroo said:

    YES! I greatly admire Michael Steele!

  65. #165
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:10 pm, xblade said:

    Ilovemycountry said:

    Congratulations – he doesn’t strike me as very smart or even good for America, but you guys seem to like that about your leaders.

    Well said, from a guy who voted for a man who believes we have at least 57 states, and maybe a couple of more.

  66. #166
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:15 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm, lgm said:

    The libs like Chappy will start the ragging anew on Palin because they know she is a real conservative with a chance to win back America from the communists.

    Let’s have Sarah Palin win America back from North Korea, the only remaining Communist country.

    But running the country, like flying a 747, takes skillz. The Palin/McCain campaign crashed.

    You’re one funny guy. Yeah, running the country takes (allow me to lower my IQ to room temperature for two syllables) Mad Skillz, and it looks like your guy ain’t got ‘em.

    But feel free to give us a yell when he finds someone for his cabinet smart enough to click ‘next’ in Turbotax.
    K?tnx!Bai!

  67. #167
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:27 pm, rightisright said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 3:56 pm, Misscheryl said: What’s wrong with uneducated forklift drivers??? just askin….

    Good question Misscheryl, I’m sure uneducated forklift drivers are held in higher esteeem within our society than…hmmm…oh yeah, lawyers…which of course, makeup the vast majority of Congress.

  68. #168
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:30 pm, hadsil said:

    Cue the Liberals commenting he’s only a token. Cue the alternate universe where as if Michael Steele hadn’t won it was proof of evil Republican’s lack of diversity.

  69. #169
    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:45 pm, BernVerdnardo said:

    Let’s have Sarah Palin win America back from North Korea, the only remaining Communist country.

    But running the country, like flying a 747, takes skillz. The Palin/McCain campaign crashed.

    Hey man theres lots of Communist countries, including the largest nation on the planet one another right next door.

    Also remember that we just elected a member of the Chicago “New Democratic Socialist Party”, friend of Bill Ayers, and student of Marxism as our dear leader. The (accidetally) admitted wealth redistribution scheme has begun, alongside a convenient “failure” of capitalism. Prosperity and individual rights are being villianized every time they open their mouths. Government is expanding and laws are being prepared to silence criticism.

    I wonder if you think calling them Communists is blowing it out of proportion. But if Communism isn’t what you voted for, you have to be at least a little nervous. More likely you’re coming up with a snappy comeback about how this is all Bush’s fault.

    And if by “running the country” you mean “Rules for Radicals” style youre right Obama has mad skilzz, its all in your perspective I guess. On the other hand, I bet Sarah can gently hold an egg too.

  70. #170
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:30 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 7:45 pm, BernVerdnardo said:

    Let’s have Sarah Palin win America back from North Korea, the only remaining Communist country.

    But running the country, like flying a 747, takes skillz. The Palin/McCain campaign crashed.

    Hey man theres lots of Communist countries, including the largest nation on the planet one another right next door.

    Ssshhhhh! lgm doesn’t realize we know who his handlers are. Let him down play their role as Edgar Bergan to his Mortimer Snerd.

  71. #171
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:34 pm, havok said:

    To the elitist snob who made the comment about uneducated forklift operators:

    At least the forklift guy works for a living unlike you who lives on welfare and dreams of the day that all get to be on the welfare. Screw you and your lazy arse. I’m getting real tired of the far left’s disdain for people who try to work for a living. At least the forklift guy tries while you sit around and do nothing to advance humanity beyond anything of being theives with an entitlement mindset.

  72. #172
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:35 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 2:41 pm, Ilovemycountry said:

    There must be an uneducated forklift operator out there you folks could rally around.

    Every time we find one Obama appoints him to a cabinet level position.

    Are you busy for the next few years?

  73. #173
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:35 pm, MarcoPolo said:

    My litmus test:

    Steele was 100% against the bailouts.

    Everybody else on the ticket either supported at least one, or remained quiet about them.

    I am happy Steele won for that reason alone.

  74. #174
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:48 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Are you sure Steele the one?… My conservative nostrils still smells a rat.

  75. #175
    On January 30th, 2009 at 8:57 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    Michael Steele rocks. I’ve seen him speaking many times and he’s a genius. Sure he’s taken positions some of us won’t like, but hey! Reagan is gone and I’m not running for office any time soon, so let’s let Michael do the job for now. I believe Michael Steele will do a good job running the party that Frederick Douglass rightly and proudly called “The Party of Freedom and Progress.”

    We’re still the party of Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King, and Ronald Reagan, we’ll get through these low times and be better for it, especially with Michael Steele at the helm. As for our opponents they will forever have to suffer with the title of “The Party of the KKK, Jimmy Carter, and Nancy Pelosi” and if they whine about their liberal roots we’ll just remind them that they persecuted the most liberal president of the 20th century – Richard Nixon.

    For those of us that aren’t 100% satisfied with Michael Steele, keep in mind that sometimes everyone has to settle – look at who our ‘honored opponents’ have had to settle for. Good Lord there’s some over there that still think Al Gore and John Kerry were good choices, so it’s going to be hard for us not to be smug.

    Let’s do what Ted Nugent has advised in the past – support our man but hold his feet to the fire. Let the other guys give slack to slackers.

  76. #176
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:00 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    I don’t trust him

  77. #177
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:13 pm, av8tr said:

    Let’s see if Mr Steele can make some hay out of this:

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/30/white-house-daschle-tax-issues-shouldnt-bar-cabinet-confirmation/

    Now Daschle has tax problems. Imagine if the current POTUS had an “R” after his name. Anyone see a pattern developing here?

  78. #178
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:15 pm, California Conservative said:

    I like Michael Steel. I worry sometimes that he is a little to friendly with Bob Beckel, but if he sticks to his principles he’ll do a fine job. He has a great blueprint for success on http://www.gop.com. Gives me hope that he will bring some sanity and practicality back to the party. I would like to see libertarians brought into our tent. I know some are “truthers” but a lot of them would sign on if they felt like the party was really for scaling back government. Look at all the money they raised for Ron Paul!

  79. #179
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:22 pm, ChicagoRobb said:

    Let’s be honest: the GOP has an image problem. We just ran a partially disabled war veteran who is not a great speaker against a much younger, better speaking candidate for the Second Time in 12 Years! I respect Bob Dole and John McCain for their heroic service to our country, but the “You’re old, you paid your dues, it’s your turn” school needs to close. Nobody wants their grumpy uncle to run the country. Reagan was older than these two, but did not come off as past his prime, like Dole and McCain.
    Steele can do what a White GOP leader could not. He can speak of Republican parties history of civil rights, of economic empowerment and social views far more in line with religious people than San Fran Nan. The GOP should take out full page ads in prominent African-American and Hispanic publications to get the message out.
    His first order of business should be (besides fundraising, of course) is close the primaries. If you are not a Republican in 2012, either vote for Gravel or Kucinich against BHO. or stay home. Make it so DECLARED Republicans nominate their candidate, not the other party.
    Finally, recruit younger, more ethnically diverse cndidates and do not ignore the celebrity factor. Like I have said before, if Ditka would have ran for the IL Senate seat in 2004. we would not have Obama today.

  80. #180
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:40 pm, feebiebabe said:

    Congrats Michael!!!! Outstanding choice.

    Chap, I’m shocked yet again! Palin 2012?! ;)

  81. #181
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:47 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:00 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    I don’t trust him

    Good! Hold his feet to the fire! Make him earn what respect he gets.

    The last thing we need to be doing is blindly following someone who talks pretty – the Democrats did that and look where it landed us: not even 2 weeks into the new administration and they’re actively perusing a course of financial suicide. A financial stimulus package that stimulates nothing until the next election cycle.

    They’re enthusiastically destroying the country and we’re going to need our brightest and best to restore what little can be salvaged. We’re not going to be able to do that with blind trust.

    (BTW: is there such a thing as a trusting Marine? I’ve never met one… but I’ve seen the things they fly and there’s GOT to be a lot of trust there :lol: )

  82. #182
    On January 30th, 2009 at 9:58 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    And FYI, I voted for 4 dems, 2 repubs and one independent.

    Specter, Snowe, Collins, Graham, Palin, Bachmann and Carfagna?

    (No, that’s not Chap in the picture…)

  83. #183
    On January 30th, 2009 at 10:13 pm, JohnnyD said:

    Kudos to my former Lt Gov. I think he will do some good things. He’ll also make mistakes but I think he is a better man because he will admit it and move on.

    Frankly I’m feeling kind happy for him.

    Finally, when the news broke on my way home from work, I thought about what the Baltimore Sun had written about him when he was chosen for Lt. Gov.

    “He brings nothing to the ticket but the color of his skin.”

    I’m afraid the Left is passing the ammo tonight (or Oreo cookies) to begin attacking anew on the the RNC Chairman.

    Good Luck Michael Steele.

  84. #184
    On January 30th, 2009 at 10:21 pm, love2rumba said:

    RE: Michael
    STeele.

    I am content for now to give him the benefit of the doubt. At this stage, though, the real conservative leadership is coming from conservative journalists and activists

  85. #185
    On January 30th, 2009 at 10:50 pm, vickisoup said:

    I’m with those who will give him a chance. So far, I’ve liked pretty much everything he’s said and appears to stand for. As with everyone who holds keys to our country’s well-being, he’s on the prayer list.
    8)

  86. #186
    On January 30th, 2009 at 11:35 pm, John Deaux said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:
    The libs like Chappy will start the ragging anew on Palin because they know she is a real conservative with a chance to win back America from the communists.

    And while they’re focusing all their hate and mud slinging on her, Bobby Jindal will win in a landslide.

  87. #187
    On January 31st, 2009 at 12:52 am, California Conservative said:

    ChicagoRob said it perfectly!!!!!

  88. #188
    On January 31st, 2009 at 1:34 am, RogerCfromSD said:

    Obama was elected and can stop money-grubbing now, chap.

    Palin hasn’t been elected and should money-grub in preparation for a bid.

    Sort of how the Democrats prolonged the campaign for as long as they did in order to money-grub.

    You’re not a very intellectually-consistent individual.

    Back to Steele, hurray! I’ll take a near-perfect Conservative to a yellow-bellied RINO any day.

  89. #189
    On January 31st, 2009 at 7:36 am, dddave said:

    I’m on the fence post about the Steele nomination. Does anyone have more info on his positions, such as foreign policy, defense, fiscal spending, marriage, abortion and immigration? I have seen him speak many times on Fox News. He is very articulate and sounds intelligent. That doesn’t mean much if you are not truly conservative.

  90. #190
    On January 31st, 2009 at 9:23 am, DagneyT said:

    Having met Michael Steele twice I know I am impressed-the man can get things done. If he is doctrinaire Conservative enough we will see, I think he is, he claims he is.And John McCain he ain’t.

    I’m with you, AN, I signed a petition for Michael Steele to be our Texas vote, though our GOP convention voters were favoring Ken Blackwell. We need an articulate voice for the GOP, one who is accustomed to being in front of the camera. The former GOP Chair Mike Duncan was a failure at this. Heck, the only reason I knew his name was because of the e-mail-a-day campaign funding letters I received!

  91. #191
    On January 31st, 2009 at 9:27 am, DagneyT said:

    On January 31st, 2009 at 7:36 am, dddave said:

    I’m on the fence post about the Steele nomination. Does anyone have more info on his positions, such as foreign policy, defense, fiscal spending, marriage, abortion and immigration? I have seen him speak many times on Fox News. He is very articulate and sounds intelligent. That doesn’t mean much if you are not truly conservative.

    Dave, he’s a staunch supporter of marriage only between one man/one woman, right to life, very fiscally conservative, though I will ask about the immigration issue the next time I talk to him. He’s a great choice! As someone said, I’ll take conservative-lite over any yellow-bellied Rino any day!

  92. #192
    On January 31st, 2009 at 9:44 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On immigration perhaps it is up to us to write, fax and call the Chairman and let him know how we feel. I am convinced the President Bush/McCain/Graham Amnesty debacle sorely contributed to the wipe out of 2006.
    Instead of sending money send a message and if they hear that message send a check later.

    You may also send contributions via mail payable to the
    Republican National Committee at
    310 First Street, SE, Washington DC 20003.

    For contributor assistance please call the RNC Finance Department at:
    Phone: 202 863-8747 | Fax: 202 863-8589 | E-mail: membership@rnchq.org

  93. #193
    On January 31st, 2009 at 10:29 am, Jason L. said:

    Hopefully Steele will clean house, kick butt, and get the GOP in shape and back on its conservative road. In my opinion, he should have won in Maryland (the left Lib. he ran against was a total clueless tool, and it showed in the debates between him and Steele), and he should have run for President (Imagine him and Palin on the same ticket! Now imagine how the first black president would have been a concrete conservative!).

    I think Steele will do wonderfully!

  94. #194
    On January 31st, 2009 at 10:50 am, Bill Grant said:

    On January 30th, 2009 at 10:21 pm, love2rumba said:

    I am content for now to give him the benefit of the doubt. At this stage, though, the real conservative leadership is coming from conservative journalists and activists

    I agree, give him the benefit of the doubt. I do have a lot of doubt however. Considering his job is raising money and booking the convention hall he better be realllllly good at booking that convention hall.

    By the way, he hasn’t been particularly “conservative”. Especially regarding firearms ownership.

    I sincerely hope he does wonderfully though.

  95. #195
    On January 31st, 2009 at 11:00 am, MNUSMCDavid said:

    PKAmmoTroop

    Oh sure, I trust my instincts, my intellect, my vision, my sense of smell but not so much my hearing… a lot of nattering nabobs( how’s that Spiro Agnew fans?) hurt my hearing. To explain myself further though, I don’t trust Steele because I’ve seen and read enough to know his stance is one of broad so called inclusion ( i.e. big tent stuff), well how did that work of us… not good. He also stated that if people like myself ( strong conservatives) aren’t going to agree with his view of conservatism,he would as much as leave us by the side of the road. Soooo, I’m going to watch and see if he passes the smell test, but I doubt he will. But I’m willing to say I’m wrong if he tests out otherwise. I am not going to be tolerant of this Marxist government any longer.

  96. #196
    On January 31st, 2009 at 1:25 pm, Danceswithdachshunds said:

    MarcoPolo said:

    My litmus test:

    Steele was 100% against the bailouts.

    Everybody else on the ticket either supported at least one, or remained quiet about them.

    I am happy Steele won for that reason alone.

    My sentiments too. I think he has a fighting spirit too. I would not expect him to apologize for another GOP member who mocks liberals with their very own words like “Magic Negro”.

    It’s almost funny that lib MSM is labeling Michael Steele as being a ‘moderate’. In their ‘mind’ it’s just impossible for a black person to be a real conservative.

  97. #197
    On January 31st, 2009 at 2:55 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Buddy was still in jail at the time and 2) he has given up the toupee (he was not allowed to have it in prison).

    I know cause he lives in my building.

    Cell block D? :)

    Hey, I’ve been busy and losing track of these threads, where’d everybody go?

  98. #198
    On January 31st, 2009 at 3:32 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Oh, I just found out that Mr. Steele is NOT a supporter of the Second Amendment as personal carry individuals , such as myself admittedly, see it. He’s going to need some “smacks upside the head” if he thinks he’s leading me or others with the views he holds.

  99. #199
    On January 31st, 2009 at 3:36 pm, frontierguy said:

    Well it does not really matter, I like Steele, but he will be called the Uncle Tom, oreo, fill in the blank by the left. If you are not a democrat and are a minority it is fair game to destroy you, Condi Rice comes to mind. What I hope is that despite being torn down Steele will tell the truth, like Bill Cosby did.

    I saw the headline on a paper here today that the stimulus bill will be redone. What a surprise there. Good job Republicans! I’m wondering if BHO tries to throw Nancy under the bus. I see Ahmadenijad is in the headlines too. Obama is so amateur it is not even funny. 1979 all over again, Iran is going to get congratulated for punking the U.S. Maybe Cuba can get in on it and give us another Muriel Boatlift. The democrats are so embarrasing, they are like the crazy uncle you want to hide in the attic!!

  100. #200
    On January 31st, 2009 at 3:38 pm, frontierguy said:

    Oh, i did not know his 2nd Amendment stance, gonna have to keep an eye on him. As a conservative, I’m getting kinda used to being let down.

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