Michael Steele Running For Second Term

RNC Chairman Steele Seeks Second Term, Shocking GOP Insiders

Washington — In the face of overwhelming criticism about his stewardship of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, the party chairman, declared Monday evening that he had no intentions of quietly stepping aside and vowed to seek re-election to lead the party into the 2012 presidential campaign.

Mr. Steele made the announcement in a conference call with members of the Republican committee, many of whom have already pledged their support to one of the half-dozen candidates vying to replace him. After the call, Mr. Steele scheduled an appearance on Fox News, where he planned to begin making his case in an interview with Greta Van Susteren.

“Yes, I have stumbled along the way, but have always accounted to you for such shortcomings,” Mr. Steele said, according to participants on the call. “No excuses. No lies. No hidden agenda.”

“Going forward,” he continued, “I ask for your support and your vote for a second term. Our work is not done, and my commitment has not ended.”