LET'S GET PAST THIS – AT 9:03 A.M. ET:  Michael Steele has been a controversial national chairman of the GOP, and it was almost inevitable that he would have challengers when his term was up.  It's an awkward situation because Steele is African-American, at a time when Republicans are trying to attract minority support.  It's important to get this matter behind us.  From The Washington Times:

WASHINGTON (AP) — A prominent Michigan Republican said Friday he is running against Michael Steele, arguing the GOP can win in 2012 only if the party chairman steps out of the limelight and allows candidates to be the voice and face of the party.

Saul Anuzis, who lost his bid for Republican National Committee chairman two years ago, made his plans known in an e-mail.

"My agenda is very straightforward. I have no interest in running for office. I won't be writing a book. It is not my goal to be famous," said Mr. Anuzis, who promised to serve just one two-year term and work hard to elect Republicans "from the top to every township and city across this great country of ours."

His statement was a slap at Mr. Steele, who has generated controversy repeatedly in his tenure as party chairman, sometimes drawing attention that was detrimental to the Republican cause.

Mr. Steele has not said whether he will seek re-election to a new two-year term in January. Republicans have been seeking to recruit a strong challenger to Mr. Steele, whose tenure has been marked by ill-chosen remarks and questions about the party's finances.

COMMENT: I've always liked Michael Steele, but he's been a divisive chairman.  It might be wise for him to step aside at this point, rather than force the party into an internal shooting war.  What's needed in the top spot is a mechanic and a manager, someone who can put together a superb organization for 2012.  Steele's talents, and they are considerable, lie elsewhere.  I'd love to see him as governor of Maryland.

November 13, 2010