Michael Steele Wants Top Republican Job

MIAMI (AP) — Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is running to be the next chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Following the GOP's sweeping losses in this month's elections, Steele said the party in recent years has failed to live up to its principles.

"The Republican Party must present a vision for the future of America that relies on our conservative values and core principles," he said. "It is wrong to believe the voters have suddenly become liberal. They have just lost any sense of confidence that the Republican Party holds the answers to their problems."

Steele was state chairman of the Maryland Republican Party from 2000 to 2002. He was the state's lieutenant governor from 2003-2007, becoming the first black candidate ever elected to a statewide position there. In November 2006, he lost a bid for the U.S. Senate.

"Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for," Steele said in announcing his candidacy Thursday in Miami, where the Republican Governors Association is meeting. "We can tell you why public schools aren't working but not articulate a compelling vision for how we'll better educate children. We're well equipped to rail against tax increases but can't begin to explain how we'll help the poor."

Several Republicans are publicly or privately expressing interest in the job, which is held now by Mike Duncan. Others are said to be considering competing for the post or are being drafted by RNC faithful to campaign for the chairmanship.

Among them are state party chairmen, including Katon Dawson in South Carolina, Saul Anuzis in Michigan and Jim Greer in Florida; former officeholders like Rep. Jim Nussle of Iowa and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, and party operatives like Chip Saltsman, who was campaign manager for Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign.