FL's Role in RNC Chair Election

Florida has a significant role in the coverage on Michael Steele's election as RNC Chairman--FL GOP Chairman Jim Greer was the first major state Party Chair to endorse Steele. Highlights are below:

Steele Wins RNC Chair

Chalk up another victory for state GOP chairman Jim Greer. Michael Steele was elected as the RNC's first black chairman, and Greer served as his whip for today's vote.

With Florida’s help, Steele becomes Republican chairman

With a big boost from Florida GOP leaders, Michael Steele was selected chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon.

Steele, an African-American former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was backed by Florida party chairman Jim Greer and state members of the RNC.

Steele asserted his conservative credentials. But his selection appears to be an attempt to broaden the Republican base to include more blacks, Hispanics and moderate voters.

"We are going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community," Steele told cheering committee members.

Greer and other backers said Steele will restore the party by stressing economic concerns, especially the need to create and retain jobs...

It's Steele!

Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful communicator at a time of political weakness.

“This is awesome,” Steele told RNC members in a victory speech. “It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve.”

...In past elections, the committee has been reluctant to elect a non-member to the chairmanship. But this year marked a departure from tradition, perhaps indicating the strength of the RNC’s desire for change.

“It’s time for something completely different,” Steele said in his victory speech.

...Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was even more emphatic as he delivered a seconding speech for Steele.

“The eyes of the nation today are looking upon us,” he said. “This vote will be the greatest contribution you will have ever made to the Republican Party.”

Greer to RNC: Don’t be stuck in the past
Sun Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel

WASHINGTON -- Republican leaders will select their national chairman today and consider Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale for party secretary.

Florida party chairman Jim Greer, who is pushing hard for Michael Steele of Maryland to become national chairman, sent a letter warning fellow Republicans to focus on the future, not cling to the good old days of the ‘80s.

It was Greer’s way of touting Steele, an African-American contender who represents a break from the past, while stressing the importance of bold change and outreach to minority voters.

Greer paid respect to the party’s heritage and its traditional themes of faith and family values but said leaders must come up with new messages that focus on jobs and the economy.

"Some leaders of our party talk about going back to `something,’" he wrote. "They relish the days when Ronald Reagan was president and the Republican Party dominated the political environment. Those were, my friends, great days, but the Republican Party of tomorrow cannot be the Republican Party of today or even yesterday."

Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins

With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.

...Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman...