RNC Elects First Black Chair

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele is elected the new chairman of the Republican National Committee.

It's the first African American chair in G.O.P history.

Steele defeated South Carolina GOP chair Katon Dawson in the final round of voting 91 to 77.

Incumbent Chair Mike Duncan bowed out of the race after two rounds.

Steele's victory speech can be found HERE.

It's unclear who Missouri's RNC members voted for. GOP spokesperson Tina Hervey reminds The Notebook it was a secret ballot, but provided this statement by G.O.P. Chair David Cole:

"There is no greater testament to the strength of the Republican Party than today’s election of former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Chairman Steele will be a tireless advocate for our core Republican principles of lower taxes, small government, strong national defense and more freedom. Rather than simply rejecting the ideas of our opposition, we need to offer bold, visionary solutions of our own. Michael Steele understands this challenge and has the talent necessary to reach out across the country and share the Republican message in a credible way that will connect with voters, motivate volunteers, and lead us to victory."

(Oh, and did I mention we called it?)

Who Will Head The RNC?

Republican National Committee members will decide today in D.C.

Missouri's GOP members will cast 3 votes
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They'll choose between current chair Mike Duncan, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina GOP Chair Katon Dawson and Michigan GOP Chair Saul Anuzis

The Notebook's Guess: Steele over Duncan by a hair

Mike Huckabee's former campaign manager Chip Saltsman has withdrawn his candidacy.

At least two rounds of balloting is expected with no clear frontrunner.
A candidate needs to attain 85 votes to lock up a victory.

DEVELOPING . . .

New GOP Chair Still Undecided on RNC Head

New Missouri Republican Party Chair David Cole says he's not yet decided who he will support to become the next national chairman of his party.

In an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook Monday night, Cole said he doesn't believe the two other voting members from Missouri have reached a decision either.

Six candidates are vying for votes around the country for an election that will be held this Friday. According to the website YourRNC.com, current RNC Chair Mike Duncan leads the race among pledged supporters.
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"I'm a late comer to the process, but I've received a whole lot of information and I think we have several very fine candidates," said Cole, who lives in Cassville. "I don't have any inclination as to what I'm going to do yet." Cole said he couldn't yet narrow down the field of candidates, but added that he plans to fly to Washington, D.C. late Tuesday (weather-permitting) for meetings with some of the candidates.

Asked how much a national chair means to an individual state like Missouri, Cole said the selection would be critical because the RNC head "controls resources." "Obviously it's important for Missouri in 2010 with Senator Bond's retirement. The RNC chair will set priorities and the tone."

Lance Beshore of Joplin and Ann Dickinson of Kansas City are Missouri's two other RNC members. "It my understanding they've not (made up their minds,)" Cole said.