With more speculation that Michael Steele won’t seek another term as Republican National Chairman, a source tells Politico that former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman is again interested in the job.
Coleman’s interest has seemed to wax and wane since he lost his 2008 reelection bid after a lengthy recount, with a report last month that quoted Coleman saying that he wouldn’t run if Steele wants another term.
But Politico says Steele will soon anounce that he’s not running again — he’s got a conference call tonight with party leaders — so that would put Coleman back in the hunt.
Party officials will vote next month on a replacement, and even if Coleman makes a bid, it could be tough going: Politico says Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, is a heavy favorite.
Others on the radar, Politico says:
Ann Wagner of Missouri, a former RNC co-chair running on her proven ability to raise big bucks; Gentry Collins, who was RNC political director until last month; Maria Cino, a longtime Republican official backed by former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie and former Vice President Dick Cheney; and Saul Anuzis, former Michigan Republican Party chairman.
Mike Duncan of Kentucky, Steele’s predecessor, and current chairman of American Crossroads, could enter the race, although Republicans said it isn’t looking likely. If Duncan jumps in, that would mean his patron, Karl Rove, has his eyes on controlling the RNC again, as well as the largest outside group. GOP insiders would, therefore, view the race as a proxy Rove v. Haley election.
