On Friday, the Republican National Committee presented the political world with the type of nail-biting cliff hanger only seen in television dramas.
After a few rounds of voting to elect the next RNC Chairman, Michael Steele recognized that his reelection hopes were in a bit of trouble. So by the 5th round and recognizing the writing on the wall, Steele shocked colleagues by withdrawing his name from the voting process, effectively ending his reelection bid. Said Steele:
“I really thank you for the chairmanship of this party, for the two years that I have had and at this time I will step aside for others to lead. But in so doing I hope you all appreciate the legacy I leave despite the noise. Despite the difficulties, we won. As many of you figured out I am a fighter, and I am a little bit obstinate. But I am because I believe in the fight … I will step aside because I think the party is ready for something different.”
Voting continued further into the afternoon as Steele threw his support behind former Bush administration official Maria Cino to succeed him. But by 5pm EST, voters rebuffed Steele’s chosen successor, opting instead to crown Reince Priebus as the new RNC Chairman.
Priebus is the current Wisconsin GOP Chairman, known for managing Steele’s successful RNC campaign in 2009. He also went on to serve as RNC General Counsel, but resigned the post in December to run for chairman, after several Steele critics prodded him into seeking the leadership post.
“I am here to earn the trust and support of each and every one of you,” Priebus said, addressing the RNC following his win. “I am going to start working right now as your chairman. We all recognize that there is a steep hill here ahead of us, and the only way we will be able to move forward is if we’re all together.”
