I had planned to attend the RNC's chairman's debate at the National Press Club. Instead, I am stuck in Philadelphia so I will watch it on C-SPAN.
Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, said:
The actual vote for RNC Chairman will be made by the 168 members of the Committee, but the impact will be felt by all. Therefore, every activist should play a role in questioning the candidates and communicating with RNC members who cast votes...just like lobbying your Congressman and Senators.
As in 2009, the current chairman is fighting to hold on to his job. Then it was Mike Duncan. Now, it's Michael Steele, who won on the sixth ballot.
Although Steele takes credit for the Democrats' shellacking in the midterm elections, he may not make it to the second ballot. Politico reports a majority of Committee members oppose him.
Steele is being challenged by Wisconsin GOP chairman Reince Priebus, former Michigan GOP chairman Saul Anuzis, former RNC co-chairman Ann Wagner, longtime GOP operative Maria Cino, and former RNC political director Gentry Collins. Collins dropped out of the race last night.
According to the National Journal Whip Count, Priebus is leading the pack with 30 public endorsements, followed by Steele with 15. To win, a candidate must gain the support of 85 of the 168 Committee members. As of Jan. 1, 92 are undeclared.
The debate will be streamed live beginning at 1:00 pm. ET.
