MAN OF STEELE – AT 8:20 A.M. ET:  It had been widely predicted that controversial GOP Chairman Michael Steele would step aside rather than risk defeat by running for a second term.  The predictions were wrong.  From WaPo:

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele announced Monday night that he will seek another term as head of the committee next month.

Steele made his announcement during a conference call with members of the RNC, several of whom privately confirmed his comments.

The embattled chairman had been weighing whether to seek another term after an election cycle in which Republicans made substantial gains but the committee encountered major financial problems, leaving it unable to fully fund its usually formidable get-out-the-vote operation. The committee also enters the 2012 campaign - where it will play a prominent role in backing a presidential nominee - in significant debt...

...The 168-member RNC will choose its next chairman at its winter meeting in January.

Even though he is sitting chairman, Steele appears to face an uphill battle. A multi-ballot process means he will need to obtain at least half the vote eventually.

COMMENT:  Steele will probably be defeated.  As the first African-American to hold the post of GOP chairman, his defeat would place the party in a somewhat awkward position.  The Dems will cry racism, but the charge won't stick.  The objections to Steele, who is in many respects a terrific guy, are based on honest disagreement.

The party needs a new chairman.  I would have been happier had Steele graciously stepped aside.

December 14, 2010