Michael Steele Steps Down as RNC Chairman

Michael Steele stepped away from his job as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. According to the Washington post , Steele announced his decision right before the fifth round of balloting for the position of RNC Chairman started.

Many observers were not surprised by Steele's concession, as few thought he had any chance of winning the ballot. He had been openly criticized by members of his own party, such as Gentry Collins. Others have even gone as far as to refer to him as a token figure who was given the position of Chairman to counteract the 2008 Obama tsunami.

Steele was never up to the task of becoming an orator like President Barack Obama, and he wasn't able to generate the levels of sponsorships the Republican National Committee would have liked. While the Republican Party enjoyed tremendous gains during the 2010 elections, very few Republicans seem to be willing to give Steele the credit for it.

Even though Steele had indicated his support for Maria Cino, the Republican National Committee ended up electing Reince Priebus as the new Republican National Committee Chairman. Priebus, who is currently the Republican National Committee chairman for the state of Wisconsin, comes in with a solid background in law and the legal system.

Time will tell whether Priebus does a better job than Michael Steele. While Priebus has spent a majority of his career dealing with the legal system, his ability to connect with donors and cajole them into giving generous donations is yet to be tested on the large stage.

All things being equal, Priebus should be able to do a better job than his predecessor, just from his past career experiences. The experience he has speaking and getting his point across is a sharp contrast to Michael Steele's poor oratory abilities.

It is even arguable that how well the Republican National Committee chairman does is not the most significant task facing the Republicans. After all, even the multiple blunders of Michael Steele, such as his claim the war in Afghanistan was of President Obama's choosing, seemed to go unpunished in the mid-term elections last November.

Republicans would be better served figuring out who to nominate for the 2012 presidential election, rather than dwelling on the fact that they have a new RNC chairman. They now control the House, and will now have to take a share of the responsibility, whichever way the economy goes.

Sources:
Chris Cillizza, " Michael Steele bows out of RNC Chair race, endorses Maria Cino " Washington Post
Huffington Post, " Michael Steel e says war in Afghanistan was 'war of Ob....." Huffington Post