Several members of the steering committee have expressed concern about Michael Steele, a leading candidate for RNC chairman, and his relationship with the centrist Republican Leadership Committee. That group, founded by former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, was made up largely of abortion-rights Republicans, causing many to attack Steele's anti-abortion credentials.
Steele considers himself in the conservative camp but says he joined the centrist group to build a bridge between the two wings of the party. "Wake up people! What are you going to do? Are you going to kick [centrists] out of the party?" he said during an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Steele is right: he is the most qualified candidate of the six, having successfully chaired the grassroots GOPAC, understands the need and original party creed of being inclusive, and is as media savvy as they come. (Not for nothing, he doesn’t apologize for his conservatism.)
It remains to be seen if the 168 Republican Committee members are willing to think outside of their box, this January and elect Steele as Party Chair. If so, and Steele is the GOP Chair, one can expect a reenergized and focused GOP that will reach out to all conservatives – with the Democrats facing an uphill battle with the economy and threats from abroad, (Iran, Afghanistan, etc.), now is the time for the GOP to look at qualifications not the status quo.
