Some Republicans Just Don't Get It

FYI: This memo was just sent to all RNC members.

Memo

To: RNC Members
From: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer

Dear RNC Members:

Over the past few weeks, our newly-elected RNC Chairman Michael Steele has come under assault from a number of fronts. While we can and should expect attacks like this from the Democrats, it is unacceptable when they come from within our own Party. What I find so disturbing is that some Republicans cannot see the absolute necessity of providing unwavering loyalty and support to Chairman Steele as he embarks upon leading the Republican Party into the future.

In less than 45 days, Chairman Steele has led a top-to-bottom review at the Republican National Committee and wiped the slate completely clean, as many members of the RNC and Republicans nationwide called for. As a member of his transition team, I have seen first-hand the thorough evaluation that has occurred at the RNC: not one stone has been left unturned in our efforts to maximize each dollar, find the best staff members, revamp coalitions and communications, and bring a top-notch finance team on board. As anyone with business experience knows, transitioning from one CEO to another and restructuring a major organization takes time and should not be rushed to be successful. Effectively evaluating and implementing best practices from the top to the bottom is a lengthy process, and doing it the wrong way can cause irreparable harm.

Doing it the right way allows for remarkable changes, most recently illustrated by the hiring of Ken McKay as chief of staff . McKay served as Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri’s chief of staff and served as the campaign manager for two successful gubernatorial races in one of the bluest states in the nation. Bringing McKay on board reinforces the considerable political acumen of the new RNC Chairman.

Ultimately, we can and will have differences of opinion on the issues, and that is healthy for a party that seeks to grow and diversify. As Chairman of one of the largest state parties and an RNC member, I welcome this dialogue. However, it is not constructive to launch assaults on the transition process or promote division within our party by openly criticizing our new Chairman.

The RNC as a whole—including Republican Congressional leaders, grassroots activists, and Republicans nationwide—must speak forcefully in support of Chairman Steele and drown out the vocal minority. To do anything less is a disservice to our party.

Be patient and let our Chairman build the administration that is right for him and right for our Party. He will accept no less, and nor should we.

Warmest Regards,
Jim Greer

RPOF Chairman Greer on Stimulus Package and Nancy Pelosi's Claims

The RPOF released the following statement last night.

Greer Says Stimulus Has A Way to Go, Crist Fighting for Florida

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s incorrect assumption that he is in support of the Democrat Spending Bill:

“I appreciate Speaker Pelosi inviting me to join in a discussion of the Democrat Spending Bill today as her official office issued a press release touting my support for this legislation. However, I would have been more grateful had she checked the facts first.

“Under my leadership the Republican Party of Florida fully supports Governor Crist in his efforts to ensure that Florida receives its full share and is able to use any federal economic stimulus dollars coming to our state to benefit all Floridians. Here in Florida, and across the nation, Governors, members of Congress and other elected officials are looking at this legislation from different perspectives due to their individual responsibilities. Charlie Crist is doing what he should be doing as Governor – FIGHTING FOR FLORIDA.

“As a Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, I support the idea that a plan is needed to stimulate the economy. I also support several facets of the current House and Senate plans including reducing taxes, creating jobs, and providing important funding for certain essential services.

However, what I do not support are the Democrats’ efforts to use this legislation as an opportunity to fulfill every spending promise they've ever made on the campaign trail.

“As this bill moves into conference, I would hope that the bipartisan tone demonstrated today in Florida results in the removal of the unnecessary pork barrel spending contained in the current House and Senate versions of this important legislation.”

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Annual Meeting News Highlights

Photo Courtesy of Bill Cotterell

Here's how Florida's illustrious political reporters covered the RPOF's Annual Meeting and Chairman Greer's re-election over the weekend. Highlights are below, but we'd be remiss not to note that each reported on the challenges facing the RPOF, including the importance of voter registration, especially among African Americans and Hispanics, and the need to better utilize technology.

The St. Pete Times' Adam Smith got it right, saying "Florida Republicans overwhelmingly re-elected Jim Greer to another term as state party chairman Saturday, in an election that served partly as a referendum on the GOP leadership's focus on moderation and inclusion."

Tallahassee's own Bill Cotterell, who covers both the RPOF's and FDP's inner workings with gusto, notes, "The party's annual meeting drew an unusually heavy turnout of big names — not just for Greer, but for the 2010 U.S. Senate race, as Sen. Mel Martinez of Orlando is retiring and ex-Gov. Jeb Bush has said he will not run for the seat. Despite the loss of two U.S. House seats, one state legislative post and the state's 27 presidential electoral votes, the mood was upbeat as a succession of GOP leaders said party prospects in Florida are far better than in most other states that President-elect Barack Obama carried on Nov. 4. 'Jimmy, I love ya, you're a great man,' Crist said at a reception before the big meeting. 'This is a celebration.'"

The AP's Brendan Farrington reports, "Greer said he will create a 'registration action team' to immediately begin registering voters rather than waiting for the 2010election."

The Miami Herald's Beth Reinhard, who conducted one of the Chairman's first interviews when he was elected at the annual meeting two years ago, notes, "...the party fared better in Florida than in other states in 2008, losing only one seat in Congress and another in the Legislature. Gov. Charlie Crist remains popular, despite the tanking economy," and gets an exclusive quote from The Maestro.

The Herald-Trib's Jeremy Wallace sums up the clear start of the U.S. Senate campaign: "Though GOP quarterly meetings are rarely scintillating events, the buzz from the looming U.S. Senate seat had everyone talking for the two days in Orlando."

"...Apparently Greer’s version of The Kings last No. 1 hit went over alright. On Saturday when the party faithful gathered to vote on a new chairman, Greer won 169 votes to 52 votes for Eric D. Miller, a Martin County Republican."

Elvis and the U.S. Senate

The Miami Herald's Beth Reinhard reports from the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, where the RPOF is holding its annual meeting, about possible Republican U.S. Senate candidates.

Suspicious minds want to know: Who's running for the U.S. Senate?

Jim Greer, the musically inclined chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, did not break from tradition tonight. He yanked off his tie, hiked up his collar, and launched into Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" at a party reception at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel in Orlando.

Tomorrow the state party will hold its election, but there's little doubt about whether Greer will win another term. The suspense is over who will run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated in 2010 by Mel Martinez, now that former Gov. Jeb Bush has said he's not interested.

All the would-be candidates worked the room tonight: Attorney General Bill McCollum, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, and U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Connie Mack. Rubio appears to be the most likely candidate in the bunch, and a fundraiser for former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller waited patiently to introduce herself.

If there's a frontrunner, it would be McCollum, since he has already run statewide. But he would have to give up his Cabinet post for an office that has eluded him twice before.

"I thought Jeb was going to run, and I was wrong,'' McCollum said. "I haven't done the examination I need to do yet ... Being attorney general is a great job, and that's part of the equation.''

Photo courtesy of Beth Reinhard, Miami Herald

CNN: More on Chairman Greer's Endorsement of Michael Steele for RNC Chair

Candidates for RNC chair wrap up hectic week in Washington

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The campaign to determine who will lead the Republican party into the era of Obama took a series of unexpected turns Wednesday, beginning with the removal of non-party members from a highly-anticipated “special meeting” of the Republican National Committee.

...Inside the Capitol Hill meeting — a first-of-its-kind event, intended to give RNC members a chance to speak directly with the numerous candidates seeking the party’s top-post — Republicans quizzed the candidates on issues ranging from Second Amendment rights to the role of new technology, according to people in the room.

...The open-and-closed-door meeting was followed by another surprising development: Florida Republican Party chairman Jim Greer, once thought to be considering his own bid for RNC chair, arranged a press conference to throw his support behind former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.

In announcing his endorsement, Greer commended Steele’s skills as a consensus builder and a communicator who understands not only “conservative values and principles,” but also the kitchen table issues that affect middle class Americans.

That awareness, Greer said, will help Republicans win elections in his own swing state of Florida....

Read more here

BREAKING: CHAIRMAN GREER ENDORSES MICHAEL STEELE FOR RNC CHAIR

Major Florida Republican weighs in on GOP’s future

From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

WASHINGTON (CNN) –- Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer will announce his support Wednesday for Michael Steele to be the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, a spokeswoman tells CNN.

Greer’s backing is a significant boost for Steele, a former Maryland lieutenant governor, who is competing with five other candidates to lead the national party. Greer considered running for RNC chair before deciding to stay on as the head of the state Republican Party. Florida Republicans will hold their annual meeting this weekend in Orlando.

Greer will make the announcement at an RNC candidate meeting being held in the nation’s capital, Republican Party of Florida spokeswoman Erin Vansickle said.

ICYMI: CNN Political Ticker

From the CNN Political Ticker: "Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody"

NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'

'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'

'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'

Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.

"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.

"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."

Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."

“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."

"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."

Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.

Read more here.

Statement by NRCC Chairman Tom Cole

NRCC Chairman Cole released the following statement today:

I want to congratulate Pete Sessions on his election as the next Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. It has been my great privilege to serve as Chairman of the NRCC, and I wish my friend Pete every success. While the past two years brought many challenges to this Committee, I was honored every step of the way to be able to serve my colleagues and my Party. To the legions of conservatives throughout America who dedicated their time and resources to helping the NRCC elect Republicans to Congress this year, I am truly grateful. I also want to thank my staff at the NRCC. They have done a tremendous job and I will always remember their dedication and their professionalism. As a new team takes the reigns of this Committee next year, I look forward to helping make their transition seamless.

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