RNC chair up for grabs as candidates debate party strategy

(COMMENTARY)—Even before the 2008 presidential election, conservatives bemoaned the state of the Grand Old Party. Many never warmed up to Sen. John McCain and conservatives also split over a number of social issues. Considering the Democratic sweep of two government branches (and a possible complete future sweep as Supreme Court seats come up vacant), it’s obvious the GOP has some serious soul searching ahead. A number of Republicans I’ve spoken to have yielded to the ‘blame Bush’ mantra Democrats are so fond of. Whatever goes wrong—if your toast burns because you set the dial wrong—it’s Bush’s fault. Whatever the reasons, the party must restore itself. And six candidates want the honor of leading the GOP as Republican National Committee chair.

On Monday, those candidates participated in a debate in Washington. Held in the ballroom of the National Press Club, the event drew 600 attendees, was carried live on C-SPAN2 and was viewed live on the micro site RNCdebate.org by 2,800 others. Americans for Tax Reform hosted the debate moderated by ATR president Grover Norquist. The 90-minute debate featured all six declared candidates for Chairman: Mike Duncan, current Chairman, Republican National Committee; Saul Anuzis, Chairman, Republican Party of Michigan; Ken Blackwell, former Secretary of State, Ohio; Katon Dawson, Chairman, Republican Party of South Carolina; Chip Saltsman, Former Chairman, Republican Party of Tennessee; Michael Steele, Chairman, GOPAC.

A memorable and telling comment was offered by Dawson, on the subject of technology. “What we’ll be using in 2012 is being invented right now,” he said. Michael Steele presented himself well—he is the most charismatic candidate and is very popular with the grassroots. Steele has a recognizable national brand, always an asset in politics.

Thousands of people submitted questions via an Internet site. “Today’s debate will set a precedent,” said Norquist. “Never again should the RNC chair be appointed by anyone. Every center-right activist should have a say in questioning the candidates and communicating with RNC members who cast votes...just like lobbying your Congressman and Senators. The route to a freer America begins with each of us caring enough to engage on this first election in the campaign for 2010, 2012 and beyond.”

Robert Willington wrote commentary about the event at the website Rebuild the Party, noting, “How ironic it is that the most open and transparent moment in the campaign for RNC Chair comes at a time when the Democrats, in a backroom deal, have Obama hand-pick the Chairman of the DNC.”

On Wednesday the RNC will hold a special candidate forum at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington. All potential candidates for RNC Chairman, Co-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer have been invited to participate. Candidates for each office will have an opportunity to deliver remarks and answer questions from Members of the RNC.

Whatever the outcome, the process is a step in the right direction. Traditionally a chair for each major party has been appointed based purely on politics. Involving the grassroots in the selection of a party leader is the first significant step the GOP has made and a good move at eroding the mythic country club image Democrats use to great advantage in campaigns.

There’s certainly a need for a fiscally conservative party that is small on government and big on national security. Whether the GOP can recoup that platform and satisfy the extreme right wing of the party while hanging onto the moderates is a question begging an answer.