E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS From NBC's Ali Weinberg
RNC Chairman Michael Steele said that his four challengers have not yet made the case for why he should not be re-elected.
In an interview with NBC News shortly after the debate, Steele said that his opponents - all of whom arguably have the experience needed for the job - would not win by touting their own record, but by making a compelling argument for why Steele does not deserve a second term as chairman, despite widespread Republican victories during his tenure.
"For me, folks had to make the case of why they need to replace me. I don't think that case has been made. I think my record stands very firmly," Steele said. "I think that to the extent that others presented their case, they did so and now the 168 members will have a chance to look at that and evaluate whether or not they replace me, or we move forward in a more aggressive style to take on Obama. Which I'm more than happy and ready to do."
Steele also pushed back vehemently against accusations that he mismanaged the party's funds, saying that all spending decisions he made were approved by RNC members – most of his challengers among them.
"The argument's been made that oh, we have all these money woes and our money woes are totally blown out of proportion," Steele contended. "I was asked by the members to make the investment in our infrastructure and in our party to win. We did that. I went to the members and laid out for them what it would take to do that. They approved that, unanimously. So even for my colleagues who were on the stage with me, they voted for the direction that we took. And so we went out and we executed on that direction from the members and we won."
He said that singling out the RNC as the only fundraising organization with a debt is unfair. "Everyone's acting like the RNC's the only committee without a debt," he said. "Hello? Flashpoint! We're not! And some people have a debt greater than ours."
Leave a Comment:
The election results speak for themselves- the House, the Senate wins, the governorships and state legislatures- all signs of successful leadership. How much credit should be given to other groups will be decided by the membership.
The money issue is another problem. How much responsibility does Steele deserve? That, too, is a question for the membership.
Funny that the DNC, with all their losses, is not even questioning their leadership. Guess they can do no wrong.
Interesting...I've heard plenty of chatter about why the Republicans gained seats and why they Democrats lost seats.
I've not heard "The Leadership of Michael Steele" or "The Lack of Leadership of Tim Kaine" as a reason for either.
Steele failed to learn one important lesson--there has to be a fall guy or gal. McCain selected Palin thinking women would automatically vote for him ignoring the fact that women democrats are mostly pro-choice, pro-equal pay and pro a lot of things McCain and Palin were against. The RNC selected Steele as their answer to President Obama ignoring the fact that no matter how nice Steele might be, he cannot match or compete with Barack Obama on so many levels.
Who's the fall guy or gal for the loss of 63 Democratic House seats (and control of the House), and 6 Democratic Senate seats?
On any level Jody.. Since the plan did not work, they have no more use for him. HMMMMM
Michael, Michael, Michael. Bagga' puh-lease! Methinks thou dost protest too much! Did you really believe that your token leadership was going to last more than a single cycle? Seriously, bro are you that delusional? The party of Barbour, Santorum, Sessions, Kyl, Gingrich, Beck and Palin? Really? Ever see what they do to black rice kernels before cooking? Get ready to be tossed homey. Well, look on the bright side--you'll at least be able to remain with the GOP as ebonics consultant through 2012. Good luck with that!
hmmmmmmmmmm lets see lesbians leather bars in Hollywood !
I KNEW IT! The phoney plastic Jesus crowd aka Christian conservatives really are bunch of freaks! Lesbian bondage bars anyone? lol
On another note - Mikey's new campaign slogan:
VOTE for me & you'll get all the FREE fried chicken & potato salad you can eat for LIFE!
Anyone remember this little gem?
Why does it have to be this way??
Work to create good policy? Naaa.. Concern for the citizens? Ha haaa! Work together to create a strong national economy? Oh hell no! It's all about getting that non-republican OUT OF OFFICE!
Now lets go get the enemy, president Obama, and who cares if the little, unworthy slobs (the citizens of the US, more specifically those who don't have million dollar security blankets) get hammered in the process. So long as our team wins the losses are acceptible!
Right pub's?!
Prove me wrong? Open your mouth Steele, and prove them right! A tale of two cities!