Incumbent Michael Steele, who saw his support steadily drop, dropped out of the race for Republican National Committee chairman after the fourth round of voting.
He endorsed former George W. Bush administration official Maria Cino. She gained eleven votes in the next round of voting but Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus remained the frontrunner.
Former Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis moved into third and former Missouri Republican Party chairwoman is in last.
"At this time I will step aside for others to lead," Steele told members. "I think the party is ready for something different."
Steele also asked members to remember his tenure in a positive light. "Despite the difficulties, we won," he said, to a standing ovation.
"Barack Obama's agenda is not good for America. We fired Pelosi. Let's take the Senate, let's take the White House. Let's heal America," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity to serve and to lead, and now I exit stage-right." Members stood again to deliver an ovation as he exited.
Steele sank into third place in the fourth rounding of voting. He was never higher than second to Priebus.
Former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan told The Hill the race has entered "uncharted territory" for the committee, predicting it could take as many as eight votes to determine the next chairman.
He said it's far from a guarantee that Steele supporters will line up behind Cino despite his endorsement from the podium.
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He endorsed former George W. Bush administration official Maria Cino. She gained eleven votes in the next round of voting but Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus remained the frontrunner.
Former Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis moved into third and former Missouri Republican Party chairwoman is in last.
"At this time I will step aside for others to lead," Steele told members. "I think the party is ready for something different."
Steele also asked members to remember his tenure in a positive light. "Despite the difficulties, we won," he said, to a standing ovation.
"Barack Obama's agenda is not good for America. We fired Pelosi. Let's take the Senate, let's take the White House. Let's heal America," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity to serve and to lead, and now I exit stage-right." Members stood again to deliver an ovation as he exited.
Steele sank into third place in the fourth rounding of voting. He was never higher than second to Priebus.
Former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan told The Hill the race has entered "uncharted territory" for the committee, predicting it could take as many as eight votes to determine the next chairman.
He said it's far from a guarantee that Steele supporters will line up behind Cino despite his endorsement from the podium.
More
Commendable
ReplyDeleteThank You Michael Steele you are the man!! I hope I get the opportunity to vote for you again!
ReplyDeleteThere is a GOD. Hopefully we wll get the same speech from Irton in two years.
ReplyDeleteI like Steele although I think Chairman wasn't a good fit.He should run for Governor of MD.
ReplyDelete