The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Steele Drops Out, Endorses Cino

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The Spectacle Blog

Steele Drops Out, Endorses Cino

By Philip Klein on 1.14.11 @ 3:56PM

The Michael Steele era at the RNC is officially over.

Steele called it quits after four rounds of voting in which his support steadily dwindled, throwing his support behind Maria Cino.

After four rounds of voting, Cino had 29 votes and Steele had 28. Their combined vote would be 57, just one shy of leader Reince Priebus, who ended the second round at 58. It should be said that a Steele endorsement doesn't neccessarily mean all of his supporters will go to Cino.

Ann Wagner, who had shown some momentum heading into the fourth round, actually lost some support, and ended up with 28. Saul Anuzis's support crept back up to 24.

"It's very clear the party wants to do something different," a shaken Steele said. "This is tough, because it is what it is... At this time I will step aside so others may lead."

Steele recapped his legacy and the GOP victories in the 2010 elections, before saying, "And now, I exit stage right."

He left to a standing ovation.

View all comments (9) | Leave a comment

TLS| 1.14.11 @ 4:15PM

Let the record show, however, that Mr. Steele actually exited stage left.

Alan Brooks| 1.14.11 @ 5:29PM

What matters is that he exited. He was merely a "we have a guy who is black jus like Obama."--
only not bright; "dim bulb" is the best way to describe Steele.

Al Adab| 1.14.11 @ 4:18PM

I'd go with Wagner. Let the lefties try to deal with another Conservative woman. It drives them crazy.

GeronL| 1.14.11 @ 4:20PM

It doesn't matter who chairs the RNC. It will still fund candidates like Charlie Crist and Dede Scozzafava while leaving conservatives out to dry.

I would never give them a dime.

Al Adab| 1.14.11 @ 4:29PM

Send the money directly to candidates of your choice.

Jim Sanfilippo| 1.14.11 @ 4:24PM

Steele said he was endorsing Maria Cino...if that is true then she must be a bad choice.

Spicy Joker| 1.14.11 @ 4:27PM

CINO = RINO.

Eric Cartman| 1.14.11 @ 4:38PM

I like Steele as a person. He endured some pretty sleazy campaign tactics running for Senate. But he was a disaster as RNC Chair for Conservatives. Take care, Mr. Steele.