Micheal “White Bread” Steele: Contact GOP Here and Here
Michael Steele was elected Republican National Committee chairmanon Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three otherchallengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to leadthe GOP. The former Maryland lieutenant governortakes over a beleaguered GOP as Republicans seek to rebound fromback-to-back defeats in national elections that gave Democrats controlof Congress and the White House.
“Asa little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome,” said Steele,the most moderate candidate in the field and considered an outsiderbecause he’s not a committee member.
In a brief acceptance speech, the new GOP chairman struck a tone of inclusiveness.
“We’regoing to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us,we want you to with be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, getready to get knocked over,” Steele said.
Hewon 91 votes out of a possible 168 in the sixth round. A simplemajority of 85 was needed, but it took six rounds for Steele to win.