Michael Steele,  Republican National Committee

RNC Chair Watch: Michael Steele Claims 39 Supporters – Closing in on Mike Duncan?

Steele-for-RNC

Former Republican Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele and candidate for Chairman, Repubican Natonal Committee

As it is leaked to The Politico on Thursday afternoon before the Friday vote:

But my colleague Alex Burns reports that with the vote less than 48 hours away Steele’s camp shared a list of 30 supporters with Politico, including 12 privately pledged backers who wish to remain anonymous. (In total, Steele’s team claims 39 supporters – a number which, if accurate, would put him remarkably close to incumbent Chair Mike Duncan’s level of support.)

Why share this info now? It’s “important to have an accurate picture of where the race stands,” they say. It’s a risky move, though. On the one hand, it could give Steele the appearance of momentum in the home stretch. On the other hand, it will also raise expectations for Steele’s performance on the first ballot. And in an election with multiple ballots, when commitments may not last past the first vote, the expectations game can be decisive.

So, does Michael Steele have the Big Mo going into tomorrows vote?

Let’s hope so.

Read Chris Cilliza’s final handicap of the RNC race here.


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