RNC RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO “LISTEN TO ME”

The Republican National Committee announced a new web video today on the Democrats’ failure to listen to the American public’s concerns over health care reform.

“As President Obama, Harry Reid, and their liberal allies negotiate their government-run health care experiment behind the closed doors of the Capitol building, a majority of Americans from across the country are making it known that they oppose the Democrats’ liberal plans and favor a common-sense incremental approach to health care reform. Unfortunately, it is becoming clear that the president and Harry Reid simply aren’t interested in what Americans want. I encourage President Obama and Congressional Democrats to stop working in secret, start listening, and join with Republicans on health care reform that the American people actually want and deserve.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

A Message from Chairman Greer Regarding the GM Bankruptcy

A Message from Chairman Greer Regarding the GM Bankruptcy

Friends,

The bankruptcy of General Motors is an unfortunate circumstance for our nation. My heart goes out to the individuals and families, particularly those here in Florida, affected by GM’s bankruptcy and the ensuing government takeover.

Back in February, President Obama said the federal government needed to bailout GM and Chrysler with $20 billion of taxpayer money – now both are bankrupt. President Obama has assured Americans that he didn’t want to be in the business of making cars, yet the federal government now owns 60 percent of GM.

The Obama administration’s involvement in GM’s bankruptcy means taxpayers will spend $30 billion more to help GM to reorganize. This regrettable incident is more proof that the ‘change’ President Obama promised for America is really a dangerous expansion of government and stands in stark contrast to the values of less taxing, less spending, and less government that our Republican leaders fight for each day. I encourage you to click here to watch our Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele discuss this important issue.

Warmest Regards,

Jim

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

Steele's Stickin' Around

Politico's Ben Smith makes a couple of good points regarding recent rumblings on RNC Chair Michael Steele:

Steele, sticking around

Two items pretty much putting the rest to the buzz that Michael Steele could be couped:

Katon Dawson tells Geraghty: "I support Michael Steele. Our Committee elected him knowing that he can lead us during this critical time for our Party. The people behind this anonymous rumor are clearly intent on dividing the Republican National Committee and our Party at a time when we need to be united."

And Matt Cooper points out that an ouster would require a two-thirds vote.

Steele Overhauling GOP

This piece by Curt Anderson, an advisor and friend of GOP Chairman Michael Steele, was posted on Politico this afternoon.

Adviser: Steele overhauling GOP

Over the past week, new RNC Chairman Michael Steele has walked through the fire, or more accurately, through a shooting gallery inside the Beltway. To be clear, some of this was self-inflicted. As the chairman has said, he made some missteps in a few media appearances. Live and learn.

Behind the noise however, there is a different scene unfolding, and one that should give hope to Republicans everywhere, or at least Republicans outside the beltway. For the first time ever, the new chairman is conducting a complete and thorough overhaul of all party operations. Anyone associated with the Republican campaigns of the past few cycles knows the real truth: Our party has been out-gunned, out-worked and "out-technologied.”

The chairman promised to clean house at the RNC if he won. He did, and he did. This has led to some serious griping inside the Beltway. Many were lying in wait, hoping he would stumble, so they could pounce. He did, and they did.

As part of Steele’s transition at the RNC, 10 members of the RNC have descended from around the country onto the headquarters at 310 First St. Their mission has been to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all the functions of each department — everything from finance to communications to research to politics. Every line item in the budget has been scrubbed; every position in the organizational chart has been reviewed.

This process was completed on time at the end of February. Now comes the hard part — taking the recommendations of this ten-member transition team and melding them into a new RNC that will do more with less and move the party to the place where we can compete and win in the 2010 elections.

Change is never easy, of course, and many feel threatened by it. Steele’s election as chairman of the Republican Party was a shock to the system for many of the Republican ruling class, the old guard in Washington. Over the past week, countless anonymous sources have brought out the long knives. Indeed, over the past week, the empire has struck back.

To be clear, some of the criticisms have been legitimate. This process has not been perfect. This new administration at the RNC has made mistakes, and all of us on Team Steele will make more, and we will own up to them.

That said, the vast majority of RNC members, both old and new, both those who supported Steele and those who did not, are on board with this overhaul of party operations. There is great unanimity on one thing: The 2006 and 2008 elections were not just bad, they were disastrous. Staying the course is not an option.

The best news is this — over the course of the past month, there is increasing evidence that the Republican Party as a whole is once again finding its voice. With 99 percent of elected Republicans in Washington standing on principle against the so-called stimulus package, the unprecedented expansion of government and wasteful spending, Republicans are coalescing.

We did not get into this mess in a just a few months, and we won’t get out of it in just a few weeks. But the seeds of the comeback are being sown. 2010 will be a different story.

Curt Anderson is a partner at OnMessage Inc, a Republican media and polling firm. He is a top adviser to Chairman Steele and has been Steele’s personal friend for 15 years.

RNC INVESTS IN REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

From an RNC Release:

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced it is transferring $1 million to both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“The Republican National Committee stands by our outstanding leaders in both houses of Congress. This is an investment in strong, principled Republican leadership,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.

These funds will be used to ensure the GOP is competitive in the special election of New York’s 20th Congressional district, as well as preparing for the upcoming 2010 midterm elections.

Steele to Republicans: Beat the Dems Online

Check out the blog below by Sergio Rodriguera Jr., former policy advisor to the DoD and DoT...

GOP Netroots: Fired Up and Ready to Rumble

Is the GOP dead? Well, that's what you would conclude from pundits on MSNBC or writing for the New York Times, but not if you have been following grassroots and online activists burning up blogs and conference calls since the November election. The newly elected GOP chairman, Michael Steele, has given fellow Republicans a challenge: it is time to beat the Democrats in the online world.

Since taking the helm of the Republican National Committee at the end of January, Chairman Steele has been popping up in new and old media taking issue with the stimulus bill and the Obama administration's tax troubled appointees. But behind the scenes he has been partnering with Saul Anuzis, former Michigan GOP chair and former opponent in the race for RNC chairman, to invigorate the GOP online activists.

Last Friday, the RNC held the GOP Tech Summit at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., which brought together bloggers, politicos, and activists to discuss ideas ranging from social networking to online fundraising. The forum was also broadcast online so that those who were interested from all over the country could view and submit their comments. Attendees even got a surprise visit from Chairman Steele and Newt Gingrich. Followers of the discussion were then given action items and deadlines on proposals to be given to Chairman Steele. GOP Tech Summit on the RNC website has now over 2,000 ongoing contributors who are busy discussing lessons learned and strategy.

The truth is, during the last election Senator McCain was badly outmanned against the online juggernaut of then-Senator Obama. The online strategists of Team Obama understood how to capture email addresses and cell numbers at rallies by making sure they accounted for every single person in attendance. Warm-up acts before the main surrogates asked attendees that supported Senator Obama to text a number which would be captured. They we later asked for a donation on their cells before they departed the event. Also, the Obama campaign created MyBarackObama.com, which allowed users to have a direct link to the campaign and later be tasked with assignments such as turning out the vote. Both were innovative uses of a superior online media strategy.

Now, not every voter wants to be texted political messages or fundraising requests. But using cell phone technology to get a quick update (such as the choice of vice-presidential nominee) was an ingenious way of keeping supporters involved in the campaign. Use of cell phone technology is only in its infancy in political campaigns, and, just as it is now used in Europe and Asia to conduct banking transactions, it will play a major role in future political communication and organization.

Chairman Steele understands that Republicans must act quickly and there is no time to lose. Therefore, he has tasked several working groups with the responsibility for bringing together experts and concerned activists from across the country to discuss initiatives. It is clear that he and his advisers are serious about the effort. For example, Anuzis jumped on a conference call for the tech grassroots on Tuesday night, thanking them for their forward thinking and openness.

Chairman Steele is right to be focused on technology. Americans are paying closer attention to politics than at any other time in recent history. With all the technologies available to distribute information this should be no surprise. But the technology is not necessarily one controlled by politicians. Politicians should wake up and realize that anyone with a cell phone now can be a reporter. Any slip of the tongue can wind up on YouTube. (Virginia Senator George Allen realized that a glib remark made at a small campaign event effectively undermined his re-election in 2006.)

Transparency is quickly becoming the buzz word in Washington. The days of politicians escaping from the public and evading responsibility for their rhetoric are drawing to an end. Websites like politifact.com are keeping tabs on the promises made and broken by President Obama. Individuals then can blast that information to their network on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter for thousands to see.

Chairman Steele has said that we are not going to win by using Facebook and Twitter. However, using all forums and media to reach voters, especially new voters, is the key to growing the party. "The internet is a living organism that is what you make of it," says David All, a Republican strategist coordinating efforts for the tech grassroots working group.

Republicans are not that far behind and are quickly gaining ground on their political adversaries. The next congressional election will be here before you know it, and the presidential election is just a few years away. It is clear that if Chairman Steele has anything to say about it, the GOP will not repeat the same mistakes of 2008.

Man of Steele--StateOfSunshine.com

The blog below was published this morning on State Of Sunshine, a blog dedicated to Florida politics.

Man of Steele

by RPOF Chairman Jim Greer

Change is in the air, and it’s not just a Democrat sound bite anymore. The Republican National Committee has taken an enormous stride towards our Party’s collective future in electing former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the GOP’s new Chairman.

As the first major state party Chairman to endorse Michael Steele, I took several factors into consideration before deciding to support Steele’s candidacy: his ability to communicate a clear message, his understanding of technology and how the GOP can more effectively utilize it, and his experience running a large organization. It would be disingenuous to say that Steele’s heritage was not a factor in my decision-making: I am a firm believer in maintaining credibility behind one’s message. The historic election of our Party’s first African American Chairman goes a long way towards our argument that the GOP does indeed care about minority voters and will indeed reach out to these voters with our message of lower taxes on families and businesses, less government red tape, and more personal freedom.

Three days after his election, a FOX News reporter asked Chairman Steele how tough it would be to re-build the party. He replied, “I started off as a black Roman Catholic conservative in Washington, D.C., so it’s all up from here.”

Steele isn’t in denial, and that’s a good thing. He understands that President Obama’s enormous popularity and power over federal legislation, coupled with the GOP’s dwindling numbers in Congress, makes it even more difficult for the GOP to take a principled stance on policy issues, to be the loyal opposition against a President who is still very much in the honeymoon phase.

Chairman Steele also understands that it wasn’t just Democrats who voted for change. He knows that the Party needs a fresh, smart new voice with the political experience to back it up. That’s why he has already hit the ground running, making an extensive round of appearances on national news shows and introducing himself to Republicans across the nation.

While Steele thrives on camera, he’s also a proficient executive on the day-to-day operational front, the behind-the-scenes work that comes with running any major enterprise…especially one of the size and scope of the RNC. But first, we have to ensure that the money is in the bank to implement the new policies and strategies Chairman Steele has promoted.

Chairman Steele will need to tap a new generation of younger, plugged-in fundraisers while continuing to raise resources the traditional way. He will use his technology expertise to implement new fundraising initiatives that provide more buy-in from low-dollar activists via the internet. The RNC will be more ground-up and less centralized, and one of the first ways to do that is to connect with the netroots and conservative bloggers and provide the mechanism for low-dollar, viral fundraising pitches.

We can talk all we want to about social networking, messaging, and strategy, but we can’t do it without the money. For example, to put the infrastructure in place for iPhone apps and text messaging, we have to have money. To recruit good candidates and register more Republican voters in new and innovative ways, we have to have money. To get our message out more effectively by every means possible, we have to have money.

Fortunately, Chairman Steele has experience running several large organizations, from a state party to a political action committee. He’s moved fundraising online and is a self-described “techno-geek.” Perhaps most importantly, he has successfully surrounded himself time and again with teams of professional operatives who get the game and passionately seek results.

I am proud to be a part of that team and to serve as one of Chairman Steele’s earliest supporters and now a co-chair of his transition team. I am incredibly excited about working with Chairman Steele and breathing new life into the RNC. I am humbled by the opportunity to re-commit myself and the Republican Party of Florida to the conservative principles set forth by Abraham Lincoln and championed by today’s Republicans, under the leadership of our new RNC Chairman.

Dissection of Steele's Victory

Brad Todd has an insightful look into RNC Chairman Michael Steele's victory, published in PoliticsMagazine.com Highlights below.

...The core of Steele’s winning coalition were the RNC’s newer members—people like Preibus and mostly-unknown state party chairs like Jim Greer of Florida and Bob Tiernan of Oregon.

Half of Steele’s 21-person “whip team” on the committee rose to their current Party leadership roles after the disastrous election of 2006. They’re the brave ones who swam toward the sinking ship.

...As a conservative Catholic, Steele hit expected right-wing high-notes, but he also talked about school choice for urban children and long-term solutions to poverty. Steele carries three Blackberries and is prone to flurries of past-midnight emails, and he made a convincing case that he would bring the GOP’s campaign technology into the digital age.

...In short, Steele built a leadership team—and a winning campaign—with tactics, ideas, and coalitions rarely before used in the GOP. Steele promised to shake things up at party headquarters—and to the old guard’s surprise, the new RNC was in a mood to shake...

CQ: GOP Ramping Up Online Organizing

Congressional Quarterly reports on the GOP's efforts to "Prep the Portals of Online Organizing."

Highlights below:

Republicans already are gearing up to regain lost ground from the 2008 elections, with a plan to level the digital playing field and fight the Democrats precinct by precinct and byte by byte.

That was the overarching theme Feb. 6 at a hastily organized “Tech Summit” held by the Republican National Committee, which brought party activists and strategists together to present ideas on how the RNC can better use available technologies to engage voters.

Under new Chairman Michael Steele, the GOP has embraced new technology as part of its rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the disastrous 2008 election.

Close to 300 people took part, with hundreds more joining online. The summit featured a steady stream of speakers, each sharing their thoughts on everything from online marketing to political text messaging to social networking.

“Bottom line is, if we haven’t done it, let’s do it. If we haven’t thought of it, think about it. If it hasn’t been tried, why not?” Steele asked in a speech that verged on a sermon. The audience at the Capitol Hill Club responded with vigorous nods and occasional murmurs of “Yes!”

“The goal,” said Steele, “of bringing the party into the 21st century is all that and then some.”

Read more...

Video: Steele on Gregg Decision to Pull Out of Commerce Sec. Consideration

...Why does this matter? Senator Gregg may have removed his name from consideration because, as the Associated Press notes, "The Commerce Department has jurisdiction over the Census Bureau, and the administration recently took steps to assert greater control.

Additionally, "Republicans have harshly criticized the decision, saying it was an attempt to politicize the once-in-a-decade event. The outcome of the census has deep political implications, since congressional districts are drawn based on population."

Watch here as RNC Chairman Michael Steele explains Gregg's possible reasons from removing himself from consideration and read Gregg's statement below.

Senator Gregg Statement on His Withdrawal for Consideration of U.S. Commerce Secretary

Sen. Gregg stated, “I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.

“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

“Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.

“I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.

“As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.

“Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.

“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”

Alpha Phi Alpha on Steele Election

Statement of Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the selection of Michael Steele as Chairman of the Republican National Committee

Thursday, February 05, 2009

"The selection of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele as chairman of the Republican National Committee is yet another milestone in the long journey for freedom and justice in America. What’s more, he was not the only African-American candidate for the post; former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell offered his name too.

"This selection by Republican after a majority of Americans elected Barack Obama as the nation’s first African-American president stands as an example to all Americans; especially African Americans that the dream of our Alpha Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to become a reality.

"On behalf of the thousands of men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the country’s oldest African-American Collegiate Greek-lettered fraternity, I offer congratulations to Chairman Steele in becoming the first African American to head the RNC.

"Our fraternity is proud to have among its ranks Democrats, Republicans and Independents. We recognize the historical significance of Mr. Steele’s election in the history books and celebrate with America and the world the spirit of change that continues to permeate the fabric of our society and culture.

"Alpha Phi Alpha has always been at the forefront of national and world issues affecting human kind supplying voice and vision to concerns of those who often have no voice and are rarely seen. We stand ready to continue to help influence the change in which we seek through our various initiatives and partnerships that serve to directly address the issues of education, health, and civic and social justice.

"Again, we congratulate Chairman Steele and wish him much success."

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...

Chairman Greer Seconds Steele

Chairman Greer's Seconding Remarks:

"My name is Jim Greer, Chairman from the great state of Florida, and I move to second the nomination of Michael Steele.

"Today, each of us has the responsibility to see the Republican Party as it is through the eyes of Republicans throughout this nation, not through our own eyes. We need a national chairman who can have a credible discussion with the American voter, excite and motivate the grassroots volunteers, promote diversity within our party and look to the future, not to the past.

"Your vote today can be the greatest contribution you have ever made to the Republican Party. The nation is watching and there is one person who possesses all of the qualities to lead us to victory. I ask you to make the right decision and vote for Michael Steele."

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

FL GOP Chairman Jim Greer Endorses Michael Steele in Historic Bid for RNC Chair

Washington, D.C.—Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced that he is not running for RNC Chairman and is supporting former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele in his bid for the Republican National Chairmanship.

“Michael has everything that the GOP desperately needs right now: the ability to communicate our message from a fresh point of view, an appreciation of how we can use technology to build the party, and the ability to reach out to new voters,” noted Greer. “Democrats are not the only people calling for change. These are our priorities in Florida and they must also be our priorities on a national level.”

“I am grateful for Chairman Greer’s support,” said Steele. “As the GOP Chairman in one of the largest states in the nation, Chairman Greer’s support is critical to our campaign and takes it to a whole new level. He has been recognized as one of the most dynamic and successful state party chairs in the country and I look forward to working with him closely.”