Former black Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele wants to be the head of the Republican National Committee. The next RNC chairman will be selected at the organization’s winter meeting in January. Steele spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2004 just weeks after then U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama’s address to the Democratic National Convention. In a written statement issued from Miami, the site of the Republican Governors conference, Steele said, “I want Republicans to get back to winning elections, not just for the sake of winning, but for the sake of our Country’s future. Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for. We can tell you why Public schools aren’t working but not articulate a compelling vision for how we’ll better educate children. We’re well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can’t begin to explain how we’ll help the poor. The success of our Party’s resurgence will come from the states–from our local leaders and from our Governors.” In 2006, Steele lost a bid for a U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Senator Paul Sarbanes.
Is this the time for history to be made for the Republican Party? Could Michael Steele win? Do you think race will be a factor in his bid as he has to convince 168 RNC committee members he is the person for the job?