Incumbent RNC Chairman Duncan Drops Out Of Race
Mike Duncan has withdrawn from his race for re-election as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Duncan came in second place on the third ballot with only 44 votes, or 26% of the total. It was very clear that he could not win re-election. Duncan said he was proud of his accomplishment heading up the party over the last two years: "Obviously, the results that we wanted weren't there. And I think our results going forward will be better."
Though he was officially talking about how the party's numbers just weren't there in 2008, he could have just as easily been referring to his own race today.
The big question now is where his support will go. Will the current leader Michael Steele pick up enough votes from Duncan and other candidates, to take him from his present 51 to the 85 needed for a win?
Another thing: One committee member asked for an extra recess period to sort out the voting, now that Duncan is out -- and was roundly booed by others there, with no recess as a result. The strong objection to a recess could be a sign that one campaign felt they could win it right now, and doesn't want to blow it.
Josh
Elana
Matt
Eric
Thanks for the inside detail.
January 30, 2009 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
If the votes for Duncan were dumb enough to stick with him 'till the end I could see them double down on stupid and go with the SC GOP chair.
January 30, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's over. Steele will win this on the next ballot.
January 30, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW! This is crazy. Looks like Duncan and Saltsman both dropped out!!!
http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/01/chip-saltsman-pulls-out-of-rnc-race.html
January 30, 2009 2:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wonder if Blackwell will be attacked from right-wingers for putting race before his country and his party like Colin Powell was...
January 30, 2009 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
"The strong objection to a recess could be a sign that one campaign felt they could win it right now, and doesn't want to blow it."
...or they want to get done and hit the bars.
January 30, 2009 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
From the front page-
January 30, 2009 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dawson just passed Steele. Dawson -62; Steele - 60
January 30, 2009 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whoa. This is actually exciting.
Slow news day.
January 30, 2009 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Dawson took 28 of the 44 Duncan votes. Steele grabbing 9 votes, meaning seven went to Anuzis or Blackwell.
I still think Steele takes this.
January 30, 2009 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I got $5 E-dollars on Dawson.
January 30, 2009 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll take that bet.
January 30, 2009 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh -- the RNC might just be stupid enough to elect a racist as their chairman. (I'm sorry, but anyone who would remain a member on a whites-only club for one second after "finding out" about that policy does not deserve any benefit of the doubt.)
Added to that, but he would be beating a black man into the bargain -- his SC buddies would be proud.
January 30, 2009 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even if Steele ends up winning, today's vote will be telling. I wonder how much support Steele will really have with the rank and file should be become leader.
January 30, 2009 2:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
A racist or a RINO? Oh, my, how can they choose?
January 30, 2009 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's wrong with Saul?
January 30, 2009 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Guess I'll have to throw my support to Dawson
January 30, 2009 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Blackwell is dropping out...
January 30, 2009 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he is about to endorse Steele.
January 30, 2009 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's talking about Lincoln and the Koran and the Torah. Is he a secret Muslim, too?
January 30, 2009 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Blackwell's endorsement of Steele could put him over the top...
January 30, 2009 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink