Natalie Gonnella
The Associated Press recently conducted press interviews with RNC Central Committee members, investigating their opinions on the future of the Republican party.
In feedback from 51 members, all but 12 preferred for Michael Steele to not be on the chairmanship ballot in January.
Committee members also commented:
- "You can't keep spending the kind of money they're spending every month just to operate the RNC…I would hope he would step aside." Ada Fisher, North Carolina.
- "I just don't think Steele has performed at the level we need for the presidential cycle." – James Bopp, Indiana
- "I think the Gentry Collins letter made it impossible for Mike Steele to be re-elected," – Morton Blackwell, Virginia
- "He's a wonderful man. He's done a good job…but it would be better for him — and I want the best for him — to step down knowing he gave an honest shot and did a good job this election cycle." – Cindy Costa, South Carolina
The AP also found, that in "more than four dozen interviews [respondents expressed worry] that a badly damaged Steele could emerge from the wreckage of a knockdown, drag-out fight to head the party as it challenges President Barack Obama in 2012."
If he were to run for another term, Steele would need a majority of 85 votes to keep his current position as RNC chairman.
With a list of challengers in development, and anger growing amongst party members over Steele's performance as chair, the pressure is growing for the RNC to crown a new leader in 2011.
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