The next RNC Chair – There are the usual players and then there is Michael Steele.

After the historic loss to the Democrats (and by historic, it was historically time for a party change), the RNC chair is up for grabs. Rumors are floating across the blogs as to who would be most suitable as a successor to Ken Mehlman, the man with the impossible task of uniting a party behind the liberal-moderate John McCain, all the while dealing with those who would see the status quo remain, the “Town Hall-Club for Growth” Republicans who are out of touch with the base. Mitt Romney is currently cruising with the National Review – déjà vu 2012. Will they never learn? Romney is the first name that pops up on the list of RNC Chair contenders – at least over at the Daily Kos. The article refers to Romney as the Rights Howard Dean. Enough said.

Chip Saltsman, former head of the Tennessee State GOP is rumored to be actively seeking the post - he’s liked enough over at RedState where the first choice is Newt Gingrich? Newt makes sense to the Beltway pundits who would like to return to a Reagan Era, which simply no longer exists. The Washington Post weighs in with its list of hopefuls: Jim Nussle, former Iowa Congressman, Katon Dawson, chair of the South Carolina G.O.P., Jim Greer of Florida and Saul Anuzis, Party Chair of Michigan ( The “well-connected in to the political chattering class in Washington, having spent years building relationships.” – quote from the Post Article, just seals the deal). The list goes on to include Duncan Hunter, among others that are in line with the traditional Washington Republican think – perhaps with the exception of Saltzman – however, one more name is being bandied about that is of real interest – Michael Steele

Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and GOPAC Chair, is not only likable, but someone who would have the ability to bridge the gap between the Washington elite and the “rest of us”. Chairing GOPAC is no mean feat and this organization is critical to the survival of the Republican Party. Steele has performed remarkably in that capacity and would make a smooth transition to the GOP Chair – bringing the all critical "connect to the base" skills to the table. “Drill Baby Drill” – is exactly what the party needs – an infusion of youth and new ideas. The comments over at the Save Jersey blog are most interesting – and give insight into what the party needs in order to move forward – youth and inclusion.

So, who actually chooses the RNC chair? From Real Clear Politics:
“Technically, RNC chairs are elected by the full 168 committee members, made up of two representatives and a chairperson from each state, along with officers. Several recent chairs have taken multiple ballots to win their post outright. But in recent years, the incumbent Republican president has anointed a chairman who is elected by acclamation.

Some presidents have used the appointment to reward top strategists from their political campaigns; George H.W. Bush (Himself a former RNC chair) elevated Lee Atwater to the post in 1989, while George W. Bush appointed both Ed Gillespie in 2003 and Ken Mehlman in 2005. Other picks are used to promote current or former elected officials. Recent chairs include former Virginia Governor Jim Nicholson and former Montana Governor Marc Racicot.”

However, since there is no incumbent, the race is open and will be voted on by those 168 committee members in January.

Whoever is chosen as party-chair is in a historically well-favored position. Smart observers understand that this loss was bound to happen (history again) and with the shape this nation is in (as a result of bad management of Freddie and Fannie by the Democrats, while the Republicans either turned a blind eye, or wanted media approval so badly (Bush), they actually aided and abetted the process which resulted in the largest tax burden in history) the blame game will come soon enough - from those who cast “historic personality votes” for Obama and against anyone who was a “Republican”.

A great deal is riding on the Democrats ability to deliver on promises made, avoid a worsening economic crisis, carefully manage a war on a minimum of two fronts (while cutting defense) and so much more - no sane Republican would want to be in Barack Obama’s shoes right now. That said, while some conservatives are looking to salvage their political Beltway necks (McCain aide’s gossiping like hens instead of men in order to blame Palin for example), what the RNC needs is a chair that is savvy enough to reel in Washington - start adding to a grassroots base that is already on board and tap those Democrats and independents that are already looking ahead to 2012 – Michael Steele just may be the ticket. Will the Party leaders put aside their egos and power grubbing mind-think aside? Leadership - the Steele's and the Palin's - are needed to march forward. Those would would see Jeb Bush in the White House and Newt Gingrich at the helm are not simply delusional - but dangerous.