‘We Won’: Michael Steele Struggles to Defend Record as Head of RNC
- Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:08pm by
Meredith Jessup
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When former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele was elected two years ago, he represented a dynamic and charismatic figure, something of a Washington outsider many in the Republican Party believed would provide a breath of fresh air for a party declining in popularity. But just two years later, it‘s the party’s conservative base that’s on the rise and RNC chairman Steele working to fight off critics as his own popularity has worn away.
On Monday, Steele faced some of his most ardent critics — four energized and outspoken individuals all vying to unseat him.
Though the debate didn’t offer many fireworks, the showdown between Steele and his rivals boiled down to a 4 vs. 1 contest that left Steele struggling to defend his record amidst blunt criticism from Reince Priebus, chairman of the Wisconsin GOP; Maria Cino, a Bush-era ambassador and organizer of the 2008 GOP convention; Saul Anuzis, former Michigan GOP chair; and Ann Wagner, former chairwoman of the Missouri GOP.
Before the debate even began, many predicted Steele’s re-election was a long-shot. According to a poll by Politico, 88 of the RNC’s 168 members say they oppose Steele and 55 of them say the wouldn’t vote to re-elect him under any circumstances.
But Steele defended himself, pointing out that he had taken the reins of the RNC at a very glum moment in the party’s history. “We couldn’t find someone who would say that they were Republican, let alone run for [office],” he said, referring to the time of his election. “TIME magazine declared we were an endangered species in 2009 — not that long ago.”
Steele worked to take at least partial credit for the largely grassroots resurgence of conservative opposition to liberal Democratic policies and the party’s recent midterm electoral success. “We did not have a lot volunteers out of Washington, but that was because we had 200,000 volunteers across the country, who made 45 million voter contacts,” he said. “Our victory program began in January 2010. So to say we didn’t fund our get-out-the-vote programs is a misnomer, because we really did. Your state might have gotten X amount in past cycles, but this year it may not have gotten that [same level] because we were playing in 50 states. I think we won in all 50 states this year.”
“We won,” he declared at one point, unapologetic in the face of his opponents’ critiques.
Under Steele’s watch, the RNC is facing a $20 million budget shortfall — a mismanagement of funds Steele promised to correct if elected to a second term.
Despite previously declaring the war in Afghanistan a “war of Obama’s choosing,” Steele said that the president’s leadership in “the war” was one decision or stance of Obama’s that he agreed with.
Policy questions seemed to dominate much of the debate, despite the role of the RNC chair being limited to fundraising and managerial tasks. Still, questions on abortion, the federal budget and gay marriage were raised by the Susan B. Anthony List, one of the debate’s co-sponsors. Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform, another co-sponsor, pointedly asked about the candidates‘ guns while the Daily Caller’s Tucker Carlson asked about the candidates’ preferred reading.
One of the biggest tasks for the next RNC chair will be to work with grassroots conservatives and tea party activists. Carlson cited Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell when asking where the various candidates would draw the line between supporting conservative candidates or more politically viable moderates in blue states. “Our chairman has to be an outspoken, unabashed conservative Republican,” Priebus said. But none of the candidates hinted that the RNC should play favorites during primary elections.
“The primaries work, and the voters work. It’s always a mistake when somebody comes in and says this person is too conservative or this person is too whatever,” Anuzis responded. “We have a system that works, and we ought to trust the voters. When we run like Republicans, we win. When we run like Democrats, we lose.”
So what will it take for GOP victory in 2012?
“Good turnout programs are nothing but words on paper without real funding behind them,” Wagner remarked, a subtle jab at Steele referencing the complaints of Gentry Collins, a former RNC political director who publicly complained that the party’s 72-hour GOTV effort had been left “largely unfunded.”
“In 2012, Democrats will be much more motivated, and turnout will be higher. A 24-hour get-out-the-vote program is already too late with all the states that have early voting,” Wagner said.
Meanwhile, Anuzis said the RNC currently faces “a moment of crisis,” citing the organization’s mishandled budget. “We have to raise $20 million before we start banking money for the next presidential race. . . . We need somebody who can make the trains run on time,” he said.
Priebus said the next chairman should be “working like a dog” to lure major donors, while Cino highlighted her own past work in managing projects for the party in the past, including her work overseeing the Bush/Cheney 72-hour GOTV effort in 2004.
Cino questioned how an organization steeped in “mismanagement, distractions and drama” could win in 2012. “I need no on-the-job training, because I’ve already done this job,” she added.
Outside of the debate, Steele encouraged RNC members to judge his record on the “only criteria that matter in this job — fundraising, turnout and election results,” he wrote in an op-ed for the Daily Caller. “Based on those metrics, the RNC has been more successful in the past two years than ever in its history.”
The Daily Caller’s analysis of the debate found Anuzis, Wagner and Cino making gains while Steele delivered a lackluster performance.
The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin, on the other hand, seemed to think the debate yielded no clear winner. “It is hard to see how any Republican National Committee member after this debate would conclude that, by gosh, Steele’s the only man for the job. However, it is equally the case that none of the challengers made much headway in distinguishing him or herself from the others,” she wrote. “As in the past, the real politicking will be done quietly far from the C-SPAN cameras.”
The most up-to-date whip count shows Priebus leading the pack with 30 votes, followed by Steele (15), Wagner (12), Anuzis (10), and Cino (6).
To view the full debate via C-SPAN, click here.
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Comments (54)
dumbugga
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:53amDon’t give money to the RNC and their Progressive Pukes like Steele! I only give money to CONSERVATIVE candidates!
Report Post »boston dotty
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:52amSteele was not responsible for NOV 2nd we were , i remember over a year and a half ago he was saying the repubs couldn’t take the house and that the tea party people could only harm the repubs steele is a first class rino
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:41amthe tea party and the republican party are not necessarily synonomus.
Report Post »calijohn
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:43am“synonymous”
Report Post »Hyena
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:29amThere are very credible people here in Wisconsin that firmly believe Priebus SHOULD NOT advance to RNC Chair.
Personally, I lost confidence in Steele while listening to his interview with a libtalker on the radio in which Steele said, “I agree with you 1000%.” I don’t recall the subject at hand but do remember thinking it a totally junk position for a Republican, let alone the RNC Chair, to be agreeing with a liberal. Michael……..you should’ve grown a pair at that moment!
Report Post »Thankyou Vets
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:26am20 million short but I’ll fix it next term? I’m sorry, how does he say that with a straight face?
The basic questions need to be asked here- is this worthy of the price that has been paid in blood and sacrifice? Is this the best we can do?
I’m sorry, both answers are no, and it is time to go. Thanks for what you may have done, but we can do better. We are Americans!
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:21amThe problem with him is delusions of grandure .we won“ we the people” inspite of his help.
Report Post »GRuss
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:08amRepublican wins had more to do with the Tea Party’s than the RNC..
Report Post »Spawnomite
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:57pmSteele, just shut up.
While your “brother” Barry was detroying America you talked tough when put in office uttering the words “how do you like me now?”
After that, you became another nobody.
You did find time to write a book that NO ONE cares about though.
Now, America is trying to take control back away from your politcal scumbags and you act like you care?
Where were you when we needed you?
The best thing you can do is shut up and go back to your obscure life no one knows or cares about.
Write another book no one will read.
In answer to your question: “No, we do not like you now.”
Fool.
Internet AnchormanTV
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:36pmI’m not the biggest fan if this guy but it was all over for him when he took on the war mongors and spoke the truth about the war in Adghanistan.
Report Post »http://www.internetanchorman.tv
spreadcommonsensenot pc
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:29pmM. Steele is a republicrap progressive——–say no more
Report Post »Republic
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:20pmOf course we have won, for the moment, you numb nuts! After ObomaCare and other idiotic Democratic/Progressive policy put into place, a hamster could have won if they claimed to be conservative. We best not let our guard down!
Report Post »Spawnomite
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:01am“Failure is an orphan, success has many fathers.” -unknown
Steele, you are no father.
This victory was not yours to be had.
YOU are part of the problem.
Midwest Blonde
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:57pmSteele : We won. ahem excuse me Mike, YOU didn’t do diddly for the republicans running who were associated with the tea party movement. YOU didn’t win – the TEA PARTY won! (and so did “we the people”)
Report Post »Rob
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:48pmHow many of you worship the black athletes, Oprah, etc,? YOU redneck dumbshets have screwed up this nation.
“We have met the enemy and he is us.” –Pogo
Report Post »Johnnyp1958
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:42pmIt had nothing to do with you Steele, it was the Tea Party and the replublicans just got a free ride.
Report Post »Spawnomite
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:04amFree ride indeed.
Anyone affiliated with a tea party gets the Republican snub.
Go to hell Steele.
freeus
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:36pmWhy couldn’t you just go gracefully, Michael?
Report Post »Dinky Dot
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:16pmThis why im down with the TEA not the RNC
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:05pmSteele can go. Donate to your candidate and NOT to the Party – it doesn’t matter which party. Support and elect the US American Citizen you want. Quit being run over by a “ruling party”.
Report Post »donedunn
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:38pmNo Republican Aristocrats allowed either. Time to go home Mr. Steele.
Report Post »civilunrestnow
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:27pmMike, you were a decent Lt Governor here in The People’s Republic of Maryland. That said, you are WAYYY to liberal to be running the show after the Tea Party told you in no uncertain terms that the status quo won’t cut it any more. We want fiscal responsibility AND conservative values. We want wasteful spending stopped cold, we want the socialist agenda to be viewed for what it is (and what it isn’t) we want someone with a spine who will take on the liberals. You are none of these things.
Report Post »Outland9
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:27pmLMAO – Mikey, IT WASN’T YOU OR THE REPUBLICANS THAT WON ANYTHING. It was We the People who did the heavy lifting and expect the Republicans (who have been given a second chance) to do what they are suppose to do – REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, you arrogant, self serving dolt.
Report Post »ThomasUSA
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:26pmI watched part of this debate on fox new’s live broadcast, on the web. When Steele said it was HIS efforts, that won off the Republican seats in congress, it really hit me wrong. I’ve been going to the grassroots meetings, rallies, and even Glenn Beck’s 8/28 Honor Rally to show my support of this grassroots demand for a stop to the rising debt, out of control spending, the waste, the disrespect of the people of this country and the Constitution etc etc.. THIS is what changed this nation NOT Michael Steele. It was BOTH parties that laughed at us and called us names… We will never trust the Republican OR Democratic parties.. We will only trust those who understand this is a government of the people by the people and for the people! I don’t believe Michael Steele understands that.
Report Post »CYCLONE
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:11pmI‘m so glad I did’nt see that… would be minus (1) Tv now….
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:13amI don’t believe that Steele understands anything that is going on with the grassroots movement
Report Post »http://maboulette.wordpress.com
HillBillySam1
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:23pmThe GOP benefited from the Tea Party movement….pure and simple. It wasn’t the old guard Republicans that were so motivated this last election cycle, it was the Tea Party Conservative folks. Personaly, I could not care less which party a candidate belongs to….as long as he/she is a staunch Conservative they will have my support. This Democrat Party vs. Republican Party is really all about which group of hogs gets to the slop-trough first…..and I gots me a powerful hunkerin’ for some bacon!!!
Report Post »CYCLONE
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:19pmthis RINO pissants time is up… I WILL NOT SEND ONE MORE DIME TO THESE IDIOTS UNTIL HE IS GONE… …(*and please take the communist state of Maine with you as the door slams on the 3 stooges a$$*)…
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:28pmI stopped donating to the GOP years ago. I gave directly to the candidates this year.
Mr. Steele, “We the People” won.
Report Post »Outland9
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:28pmAmen!
Report Post »NOT ONE DIME, until the Republicans PROVE their worth.
lylee
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 10:20pmWhat you mean we, Mr. Steele? I hope you don’t mean the Republican establishment, but I fear you do.
Report Post »Barb1954
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 8:59amYou guys are PROVING the point that folks were ALREADY angry with GOP and DONATED directly to Candidates INSTEAD OF the GOP! Steele INHERITED the RNC DEBT issues and then took in LESS money because of the STUPIDITY of the OLD GUARD that has FOR YEARS ROBBED the Voters blind! The grassroots did NOT TRUST the GOP this year and it was NOT due to STEELE!
STEELE embraced the TEA Party as much as possible and FOUGHT the OLD GUARD when it came to MONEY for our Candidates. He has been in a BATTLE for CONSERVATISM from DAY ONE of taking his office! WE FREAKING WON……….YOU IDIOTS! No, not because of STEELE but IN SPITE of the OLD GUARD’s attempts to SHUT US DOWN!
I honestly don’t know if ANYONE ELSE could have PUT UP WITH these GOP FOOLS like Steele did so HEAR HEAR Mr STEELE! You hung in there for US!
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:17pmNot good. I think Anuzis is the best choice.
Report Post »byehlik
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 9:16pmNo more Steele he is a cronie of the old guard!
Report Post »BMartin1776
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:10pmAgreed the funny thing is, is it just me or is he taking credit for Nov 2?! This guy doesnt get it he doesnt understand that he is part of the ‘ol boys club we want no part of. HE didnt do anything it was the ppl that won Nov 2… only time will tell if we really did win though as they are all on probation til ‘12.
Now that WE won and sent many cronies packing its time Steele gets the hint and booted as the head of RNC.
56 men, our Founding Fathers, had the guts to stand up and do what’s right, what about you? http://www.savingtherepublic.com
Report Post »CatB
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 11:20pm“We won” … no the TEA Party won. In spite of the RNC.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:14amCarrot Top for RNC Chairman, at least the meetings wouldn’t be boring.
Report Post »richauthor
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:26amA $20 million dollar shortfall and he wants a second chance? I think NOT.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 8:47amRINOs belong in zoos Steele, not sabotaging the one party that has a chance to stop what the Progressives are doing to us.
Report Post »Dandylyon
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 11:06amSteele is just another politival figure betting on his race to get him through when he knows that the people did this not him .For him to try and take credit for this is proof positive he is no different then any of the rest of the political figures that were ousted and so shale you be Steele.
Report Post »OATMEAL
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 11:30amPlease replace this Idiot, he was put in this position because of his color, the GOP didn’t want to look Racist………Enough with this Politically Correct BS……Too much is at stake………..We are too Cowardly to talk about race in this country……….His Words Not Mine!
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