RNC Chairman Race In Flux; (Mike) Duncan Has Modest Edge

[brooklynite]

from National Journal:

WASHINGTON -- Though the leadership of the Republican National Committee will meet in Washington this week to elect a chairman tasked with rebuilding the floundering party, even at this late date there is no clear frontrunner for the job, according to a recent phone and email survey of the RNC's 168 members conducted by National Journal's Hotline On Call.

While incumbent chairman Mike Duncan has an advantage among the six candidates hoping to lead the GOP, more members said they were undecided than supporting Duncan. And even more declined or did not respond to requests for comment.

Opinions varied widely about who has the best communication skills and leadership record necessary to transition the party out of the doldrums.

...snip...

Duncan, who has presided over the GOP since January 2007, leads the pack with 25 committed supporters. He is trailed by Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is backed by 17 members; South Carolina Party chairman Katon Dawson, 12 supporters, Michigan Party chairman Saul Anuzis, 11 supporters; and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, with 10. Chip Saltsman, who led Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, does not have a solid vote, according to On Call's reporting.