Anyone who’s been watching Michael Steele, the new chairman of the Republican National Committee, knows he’s had a rough go of it since being elected. Since being named the head of the RNC, he’s had some media stumbles, most recently when he said to GQ abortion was an “individual choice” and legalized abortions should be a decision left to the states. In GOP circles, that was as No No. He also has insulted Rush Limbaugh, and then after realizing he committed a No-No, offered up an apology to the talk radio personality.
There’s been others.
His missteps couldn’t come at a worse time for the Republican Party, which is looking to rebound after getting pounded at the ballot box in 2006 and 2008. So …
Since March Madness is upon us and everyone’s getting their basketball tournament pools going, how about we start one for Steele. How long until Steele steps down as chairman of the RNC? The New York Times, citing GOP sources, said there’s no movement to remove Steele, but how much longer will the RNC put up with someone who says one thing then issues a press release to either apologize or roll back the original comment? The GOP likes organization, a united front and leaders who don’t have to keep explaining themselves.
The clearest sign about Steele’s future, though, will come when there’s evidence of his ability to raise money. If his public slip ups don’t affect fundraising and the ability of Republicans to run competitive races, then he’ll be easily forgiven. If it’s the opposite, though, he may find himself on the outs.
