News

Log Cabin Congratulates Michael Steele

January 30, 2009

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans congratulate Michael Steele on his election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. "Michael Steele is the right man at the right time to lead the GOP," said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. "It's a great day for our Party. Steele is an inclusive leader who will bring a new energy and a new vision to the GOP at a critical time."

Steele was elected Chairman after the sixth round of voting by the 168 members of the Republican National Committee. By the sixth ballot, the five man field had narrowed to Steele and South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson. Steele won 91-77. "After two straight election defeats, it was clear that more of the same was not the answer," said Sammon. "I'm excited that members of the Republican National Committee understood this fact."

In his victory speech, Steele summed up his plans as Chairman, "it is time for something completely different."

As a long-time leader of the Republican Party in Maryland, as Lieutenant Governor, Chairman of GOPAC, and now as Chairman of the RNC, Steele has a clear record focused on unifying conservative principles such as limited government, strong national defense, free markets, low taxes, personal responsibility, and individual liberty. As RNC Chair, Steele will be the most important person in shaping the Party's future. Steele believes in a big tent GOP. In a media interview during his campaign for RNC Chair, Steele mentioned the importance of reaching out to Log Cabin and other mainstream GOP groups as the Party looks to chart a future course. "Michael Steele understands you win elections by addition, not subtraction," said Sammon. "He understands we must focus on what unites us, not what divides us as Republicans."

"While we do not agree with Chairman Steele on every issue, we look forward to working with him to help rebuild the GOP," said Sammon, who attended today's vote in Washington. "Republicans got wiped out in November with non-white voters, young voters and self-described moderates. Michael Steele understands the base doesn't equal a majority."

In his acceptance speech Steele said, "we're going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community."