Wow, what a tough choice...there are some really good people with really good ideas in line to be the next RNC chair.  How does one go about choosing in such a talented field?

First off, I have to completely remove Mike Duncan from any consideration.  Why should we re-elect the guy who presided over the debacle on November 4?  I haven't seen anything worthwhile come out to even try to convince me that he deserves another term at the head of the GOP.

In my mind, that leaves only three serious candidates (in no particular order) - Michael Steele, Saul Anuzis and Ken Blackwell.  For me this is where the choice gets tough. All three seem to have some really good positives, but there are some negative with each as well.

Let's start with Michael Steele - former Lt. Gov. of Maryland and the current chair of GOPAC.  The good: Obviously, he has name recognition.  He's well-spoken and telegenic.  He succeeded in getting elected to statewide office in one of the bluest states there is.  He's not afraid to venture into hostile territory - witness his appearances on Bill Maher's show.  He seems to have some really good ideas.  He's a successful fundraiser.  He was endorsed by Bill Bennett.  The not-so-good: One of my main problems with him is that he's putting out his plan piecemeal.  His website (www.steeleforchairman.com) now includes only 2 chapters of his "Blueprint for Tomorrow."  I need a fuller picture of what he thinks before I can actively endorse him.  Also, there are some who aren't quite sure that he's as conservative as he would like us to think.  He was endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans.  Finally, as a believer in the technology plan put forth on RebuildtheParty.com, it concerns me that he hasn't endorsed that plan.

Next up is Saul Anuzis - head of the Michigan GOP.  The good:  He's endorsed the RebuildtheParty.com plan.  He has a very detailed plan for the RNC posted on his website (www.anuzisforchair.com).  From what little I've seen of him, he seems able to get his message across clearly and succinctly.  The not-so-good: Who is he?  Seriously.  He's a pretty unknown quantity.  I do have to say that as I get to know more about him, this is less of an issue, but how effective will he be on the (new to him) national stage?

Finally, Ken Blackwell - former Ohio Secretary of State.  The good:  He has national name recognition - he's a known factor.  He's also well-spoken and telegenic.  He's endorsed the RebuildtheParty.com plan.  He's a good fundraiser.  He's on the boards of the NRA and the Club for Growth.  He has the foresight to have connected with a running mate (for RNC co-chair) Tina Benkiser, Texas GOP Chair.  The not-so-good: Doesn't even have a partial plan out there.  Is website (www.blackwell2009.com) only says to check back in early January - if he doesnt have a plan, why is he in the race?  He managed the Steve Forces presidential campaign - is that the model of "success" we want?

Which man will get my unofficial, doesn't-count-in-any-way-sahoe-or-form vote?  I just don't know yet...maybe some of you can give me some good comments to help me make my choice...

Either way, we've got to get someone that can hit the ground running and get things ready for the coming battles as well as the overall war!

Have a great day!