Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a noon luncheon today in Minneapolis to raise money for the party.
The reception and lunch at the Minneapolis Hilton is sponsored by the Minnesota Republican Party’s Elephant Club. Membership in the club requires a $1,000 annual donation and entitles the donor and a guest to attend monthly luncheons.
Nationally, Steele seems to be holding his own against party insiders who have questioned his leadership. A recent Huffington Post item says many GOP insiders feel Steele’s efforts are hurting the party. The story notes that in a poll of party leaders, many “blamed the RNC’s woes on chairman Steele who has wandered off message with verbal miscues and alienated GOP major donors.”
Says the story:
“Steele has been a huge disappointment, especially on the fundraising front,” said one GOP Insider. Others used words like “embarrassment,” “horrible” and “idiot” to describe Steele. “[DNC chairman] Tim Kaine is always on message, Michael Steele rotates which foot is in mouth,” said another GOP Insider.
Often, when there’s internal squabbling over the RNC chair, former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s name is mentioned as a possible successor.
Um-mm … Did he come here in that bus of his? Or did Dumbo deliver him to our great city of Minneapolis?