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

RNC LAUNCHES RADIO AD “MAKE WASHINGTON LISTEN”

RNC LAUNCHES RADIO AD “MAKE WASHINGTON LISTEN”
WASHINGTON – Today, the Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new radio ad, “Make Washington Listen,” which will air nationally as Senate Democrats try to impose their health care experiment on America.

“MAKE WASHINGTON LISTEN” SCRIPT

Time: 00:60

VOICE: “A message from Republican National Chairman Michael Steele.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “The Democrats are accusing us Republicans of trying to delay and stonewall their government takeover of health care.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “You know what? They’re finally right.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “Republicans are trying to stop this disastrous health care takeover.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “Republicans are trying to keep the liberals from creating yet another entitlement program, spending yet another trillion dollars.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “America’s already seen the results of this year’s ‘binge spending’ by the Democrats: our economy’s in deep trouble and our jobs are evaporating.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “Now Democrats want a health care bill that will raise taxes… cut Medicare…and increase premiums.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “Democrats know America doesn’t want this health care takeover….but they’re arrogantly trying to jam it down our throats.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “This is our last chance to stop them. Contact your Senators. Make Washington listen to you.”

CHAIRMAN STEELE: “Log on to GOP.com …make Washington listen….before it is too late.”

VOICE: “The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.gop.com”

RNC RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO “DEAD OF NIGHT” ON SENATE HEALTH CARE VOTE

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee announced a new web video today on moderate Senate Democrats sacrificing their principles to give Harry Reid a victory that brings America dangerously closer to having a government-run health care system. The web video, entitled “Dead of Night,” can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbIFmg68zTA.

“On Saturday night, a number of moderate Senate Democrats sacrificed their principles to bring America dangerously closer to government-run health care. Ben Nelson sold out his conscience and voted in favor of federally funded abortions. Blanche Lincoln sold out her principles by voting in favor of a government-run insurance plan, something she previously said she opposed. And Mary Landrieu simply sold her vote to the highest bidder after Harry Reid added a $300 million earmark just for Louisiana. Voters elected these Senators to represent their best interests. Instead they voted in the dead of night for a health care experiment that will increase taxes, raise premiums, cut Medicare, and use taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. This is not the representation Americans deserve. It’s time for these Senators to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves who they really work for – their constituents or liberal Democrats like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

RNC RELEASES NEW SPANISH LANGUAGE RADIO AD ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S AND VP BIDEN’S VISIT TO MIAMI

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced a new Spanish language radio ad on President Obama’s and Vice President Biden’s fundraising trips to Miami. The ad addresses the impact of President Obama’s policies on the Hispanic community. The radio ad will run Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the Miami media market.

“President Obama and Vice President Biden are moving forward with a reckless government-run health care experiment that will have a devastating impact on American families. Despite the jam-packed fundraising schedule the president and vice president have during their Miami visit, they should find some time to explain to Florida’s Hispanic-Americans the real consequences that the Democrats’ plan will have on their community. While Democrat leaders in Congress continue negotiations on a final health care bill in secret and behind closed-doors, Americans deserve answers to their questions. When will President Obama finally deliver the transparency he promised?” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

Listen to the audio of the radio ad here: http://newmedia.gop.com/audio/answers

SCRIPT

Time: 01:00

Voice: Miami welcomes President Obama and Vice President Biden to our city. Since you’re spending a lot of your time raising campaign dollars instead of meeting with us, we have some questions for you.

Voice: You told us that a massive new spending program would help the economy and be good for jobs. Our community has lost jobs, and now unemployment among Hispanics is nearly 13 percent. Where are the jobs? When will things get better?

Voice: Now, you say we need to overhaul our health care system. Where is the money going to come from? Will you really cut funding for Medicare to pay for it? How can that be good? That’s really going to hurt our seniors.

Voice: Big federal spending programs, no improvement in jobs, and Medicare cuts. That’s just not good enough. We can’t afford for things to keep on this way. Mr. President - is this the best you can do?

Voice: The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.GOP.org.

El Comite Nacional Republicano Lanza un Nuevo Anuncio Radial en Español a cerca la visita del Presidente Obama y Vice-Presidente Biden a Miami

Washington – El Comite Nacional Republicano (RNC) anunció hoy el lanzamiento de un nuevo anuncio radial a cerca de los viajes del Presidente Obama y el Vice-Presidente Biden a Miami para recaudar fondos. El anuncio trata sobre el impacto de las políticas del Presidente Obama sobre la comunidad hispana. El anuncio se escuchará en el mercado de Miami el lunes, martes y miercoles.

“El Presidente Obama y el Vice-Presidente Biden continuan empujando la aprobación de su desastroso experimento que le da el control al gobierno sobre el sistema de cuidados de salud. Esto tendría un efecto desvastador sobre las familias en este país. Pese a sus apretadas agendas de recaudación de fondos durante su visita a Miami, deberían encontrar el tiempo para explicarle a los hispano-americanos, las verdaderas consecuencias que el plan Demócrata tendría en su comunidad. Mientras los líderes Demócratas en Washington continuan sus negociaciones secretas y a puertas cerradas sobre el proyecto final de cuidados de salud, los americanos merecen que les contesten sus preguntas. ¿Cuando será que el Presidente Obama cumpla con la transparencia que nos prometio?”

GUIÓN

Time: 01:00

Voice: La comunidad de Miami le da la bienvenida al Presidente Obama y al Vicepresidente Biden. Ya que estan pasado tanto tiempo recaudando fondos para campañas políticas en vez de reunirserse con nosotros, tenemos algunas preguntas para los dos.

Voice: Nos dijeron que al implementar un nuevo y masivo programa de gastos, nuestra economía mejoraría, y que esto generaría más empleos. Nuestra comunidad ha perdido sus trabajos, y ahora la tasa de desempleo entre los hispanos es de casi trece por ciento. ¿Dónde están los trabajos? ¿Cuándo es que van a mejorar las cosas?

Voice: Ahora nos están diciendo que necesitamos reformar el sistema de salud ¿De dónde va a salir el dinero para hacerlo? ¿Es verdad que van a recortar los fondos de Medicare para costear la reforma? ¿Cómo es que esto puede beneficiarnos? Algo así realmente va a causarle daño a nuestras personas mayores.

Voice: Ahora tenemos grandes programas de gastos federales, no hay mejoras en los empleos y vamos a tener recortes en Medicare. Estas situaciones no son aceptables, y no podemos permitir que las cosas sigan así. Señor Presidente, ¿esto lo mejor que puede ofrecernos?

Voice: El contenido de este mensaje es responsabilidad del Comité Nacional Republicano. Este mensaje fue pagado por el Comité Nacional Republicano, y no fue autorizado por ningún candidato o su comité. www.GOP.org.

RNC RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO “BEHIND CLOSED DOORS” ON REID’S BACK ROOM HEALTH CARE NEGOTIATIONS

RNC RAISES $8.7 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced its fundraising numbers for September 2009.

The RNC raised $8.74 million in the month of September and has $18.9 million cash-on-hand and $0 debt. The RNC averaged 2,400 new donors per day in September, an off-year record and an increase of about 2000 new donors per day since February. The average donor contribution in September was $36.

“It goes without saying that we have been working hard to establish a new brand for the RNC. From giving a voice to the frustrations of many Americans over the president’s health care experiment, to the launch of our new web platform, our efforts have resulted in record breaking fundraising numbers for September which continues an extremely strong trend for us since February. It is clear that the Republican message of lower taxes, less spending and common sense health care reform resonates with working families and small businesses alarmed by the course the president and Congressional Democrats have taken. As we move closer to the elections this fall and in 2010, these funds will enable the RNC to provide Republican candidates throughout the country the financial resources needed to help ensure victory on election day,” said RNC chairman Michael Steele.

###

Evening Newscasts Have Covered Obama More Than Bush & Clinton Combined

From the RNC:

Evening Newscasts Have Covered Obama More Than
Bush & Clinton Combined


The nonpartisan research group Center for Media and Public Affairs along with California's Chapman University released a study that found the nightly newscasts devoted 27 hours, 44 minutes to Pres. Obama's presidency in his first 50 days. That compares to 7 hours, 42 minutes for Pres. George W. Bush and 15 hours, 2 minutes for Pres. Bill Clinton during the first 50 days of their first terms.

Not only has Obama gotten more coverage, but that coverage has been more positive than his predecessors.

On the ABC, CBS, and NBC evening newscasts, 58% of all evaluations of the president and his policies have been favorable, while 42% were unfavorable. That compares with 33% positive in the comparable period of Bush's tenure and 44% positive for Pres. Clinton. …

(Source: TVNewser, April 27, 2009)

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.

RNC Roots Blog

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...

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.”

RNC Tech Summit

The RNC just announced an upcoming tech summit. Details below!

The Republican National Committee is hosting a Tech Summit on Friday, Feb. 13 (yes, we know) at our National Headquarters. This is an open invitation to participate. Please use this form to sign up.

We look forward to a full day of your ideas. Speakers will be given 5 minutes to present suggestions and opportunities for advancing the GOP's technology efforts.

Registration is open until Wed., Feb. 11 at 11 p.m. ET.

Time blocks for each area of interest will be communicated via e-mail no later than Thurs., Feb. 12 at Noon ET.

If you can get here, we'll hear you!

If you're unable to attend please send thoughts via e-mail to ecampaign@gop.com and put "Tech Summit" in the subject line or call 202-863-8728.

310 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20003

If you can't attend in person please send thoughts via e-mail to ecampaign@gop.com and put "Tech Summit" in the subject line or call 202-863-8728.

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...

RNC Chairman on March for Life

“Today, passionate Americans from coast to coast gather in Washington, D.C. to march for the rights of all. Protecting the sanctity of every life is the responsibility of this nation. I commend the efforts of each person assembling here today, and praise those working to defend the ones who cannot defend themselves. I hope the work of those marching today leads to a renewed appreciation for every human life.”

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.”