‘STEELE’ing a Victory: The Michael Steele Campaign for GOP Chairmanship

   ‘STEELE’ing a Victory: The Michael Steele Campaign for GOP Chairmanship      Maryland politics has a rich history of firsts in this Country. From the 1831 Anti-Masons party, nominating committee convention, which eventually led to the Jackson Democrats to hold America’s first major nominating convention, here in Baltimore. This event, in 1832, was held at the historic Fifth Regiment Armory. To the 1912 Presidential nominating convention for Democrats, where it took 46 ballots, for the eventual Presidential candidate, New Jersey Governor Woodrow Wilson to defeat Champ Clark, the Speaker of the House in Congress, from Missouri. In which he later went on to become America’s 28th United States President, and serve for 8 years until 1921. From the 1932, Maryland State Governor, Albert Ritchie’s, losing Presidential campaign to Franklin D. Roosevelt, to the first African-American Maryland Lt. Governor, Michael Steele, in 2002. Wow! Seventy years after a Governor’s run for the highest office in the land, we finally get a black Lt. Governor?! (Too much time wasted in between and still seeking the first black Governor) Well now we have that same monumental, history changing man, seeking to become the first African-American of the GOP (Grand Ole Party) to hold the title of National Party Chairman. The Prince George’s native is use to becoming the first in a multitude of fields. From the first black Republican Party chair for Maryland, to the first black Lt. Governor of this great state (MD.)! However, as once said by the great Reginald F. Lewis that he is “not just a black successful businessman, but successful none the less!” Mr. Steele is more than just a black Republican first; he is the most qualified and distinguished man, or woman, to hold these posts, period! The Man of Steele, an attorney and current GOPAC* chair, has a lot to be thankful about, as well as a stellar resume to justify the post he seeks, however he isn’t the only one in the race. *(Good Ole Political Action Committee) Also seeking the post to restore this dysfunctional group of individuals is a number of party chairs and others, from around the country. First starting with the current GOP Chair Mike Duncan, who has said that these, lights and cameras super-star celebrity candidates, have no real sense of how things should be done, in order to move this party forward. He is the behind-the-scenes type of nuts and bolts supervisor, who believes that less ideology and more modern technology and hard work, will be the most effective way to turn around this ‘sinking ship’. Also opting for the post is Katon Dawson, the South Carolina party chair, who calls himself the “common sense conservative”. Then you have the ‘other black’ candidate in Kenneth Blackwell, the former Ohio Secretary of State, who believes the return to ‘limited government, traditional values and a strong defense philosophy is the answer. Next you have the young and tech-savvy Anuzis, the Lithuanian chair of a state party (I forgot which one), that believes that new and innovative technologies are the wave of the future and the way to dig this good ole boy network out of its deep grave, is through e-services. Now, with all these other potential picks, along with the problems of a minority party in both houses of Congress and a big portion of Senators and Representatives under investigation or indictment, retiring or losing their seats, whoever is chosen has a hell of a task ahead of them. Their ideas and proposals will only go but so far. They will most certainly need a like-minded staff and cooperative member base and law-abiding elected officials to pull this off. When I say that, I mean that, their task will most certainly be a Machiavellian-styled campaign of strategic planning, thinking and implementation, in order to obtain any amount of success in the upcoming 2, 4 or 6 years.  We can determine how the party sees their future and what direction they believe they should go by their January selection of one of the previously mentioned candidates, or someone not mentioned. I, obviously biased, believe in the leadership and qualifications of Mr. Steele, due to past encounters in which I had the opportunity to meet, speak with and work for him, during his US Senate campaign in 2006. (Only after Mr. Mfume lost the Primaries, because I was working for him until that tragic Democratic set-up lost!) Leaving behind the historic factor of race relations and leadership, especially needed in this party of exclusive Caucasian membership, I sincerely believe that the direction and style of leadership Michael would bring is unprecedented. His knowledge, youthfulness and respect will go a long way in not only offering new found leadership for the party, yet it shall and will speak to those who have a negative image of the GOP, left by Bush and crew! The new leadership must have the general public change their perception of Republican beliefs and ideologies and possibly join the rank and file. The branding of a NEW GOP is definitely what is needed and in order to do such, is with a NEW and fresh faced party and leader, who can speak the language of ALL Americans’, not just a select and ‘privileged’ few!