Steele vs. Collins/Snowe/Specter?

Posted: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 2:54 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans

From NBC's Mark Murray
In an interview yesterday on FOX, new RNC chair Michael Steele suggested that the three Republicans who voted for the stimulus -- Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania -- would face primary challenges, and he left open the possibility that the three might not receive funds from the RNC. (Hat tips: the Washington Post's Greg Sargent and Politico's Ben Smith.)

“Will you, as RNC head, recommend no RNC funds being provided to help them?” Steele was asked.

“Oh, yes, I'm always open to everything, baby, absolutely," Steele said.

Steele's comments signaled a stark departure from past practice (the National Republican Senatorial Committee provided significant help to Specter in his '04 primary contest against Pat Toomey) and seemed to violate Ronald Reagan's famous 11th Commandment (never speak ill of another Republican).

One former RNC official said that he couldn't imagine past party chairs undercutting a sitting senator, especially one who's up for re-election in 2010 like Specter (and in a state that Obama carried by 10 percentage points, 54%-44%!).

"I just don’t think we’re at a point where the party can threaten senators and ask them to adhere to some type of monolithic ideology," the official said. "In fact, the party’s almost always been at its strongest when it was broad and had its big tent out. I get what Steele is trying to do in terms of channeling the anger and frustration at the stimulus bill, but there’s probably a more artful way of doing it."

Originally, when First Read reached out to the RNC for comment, we were told that Steele's words spoke for themselves.

But the RNC later reversed course. "The RNC has no intention of getting involved in primaries," a party official told First Read. "We work with state parties to elect Republicans and will continue to do that."

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Comments

I guess the GOP wants to be a rump party in more ways than one.

GW, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:03 PM)

When they eat their own, BABY, you know the end is near for this anachronism of a party. Steele was an imbecile in Maryland, and now he's staying true to form on the national stage!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:05 PM)

Per Huffington Post:
In an interview with the Washington Times, the Republican governor of Utah on Monday said his party's leaders in Congress' lack of new ideas renders them so "inconsequential" that he doesn't even bother to talk to them.
_________
Nice. These are people who were sent to DC to work for we, the people. They don't work for anyone but themselves It's shocking that they even receive a paycheck.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:06 PM)

"I'm always open to everything, baby, absolutely"

"Baby"? Is he trying to reinforce the fact that the Republic Party, too, is lead by an African American by speaking like Flip Wilson, circa 1971?

Blue in Texas, Portland, Texas (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:06 PM)

They’re done Lying

Now, comes the Cheating

Then, the Crying !!

RFrom TalkingPointsMemo.com:

‘…Coleman Lawyer: We'll Rest Our Case This Week! (Maybe)
By Eric Kleefeld - February 23, 2009, 6:54PM

Here's some provisionally good news from Minnesota. Coleman spokesman/attorney Ben Ginsberg told reporters at a press conference that they expect to be done presenting their case by the end of this week.

Ginsberg did add, however, that this announcement came "with all the caveats about -- heck, I don't know what'll end up happening."

They don't expect to be calling any more rejected voters, though -- probably a good move, considering the judges singled out one of their witnesses as an example of an illegal voter.

After Coleman rests, the ball will be in Franken's court. And after Franken rests, we'll get a decision. And then...the appeals!...’

GIVE IT UP, Norm

YOU LOST !!

That’s because YOU’RE A LOSER !!

Bye, Bye !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:09 PM)

Way to go, Steele! You're the kinda guy who shows up at a general alarm fire with a 5 gallon can of gasoline! Guess your days of trying to run as a DEMOCRAT are over!

Can you say "regional party"? (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:09 PM)

Umm, chairman Steele, what happened to that "new direction" you were planning to lead the RNC toward? You know, the direction opposite the one that was responsible for the huge Red-to-Blue sweeps across the land?

Yeah, I thought so, "baby". Enjoy the wilderness with the Club For Growth crowd. Bring along the wolf-shooter. She may come in handy, for once, also.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:09 PM)

I am not surprise - the Republicans have "cut throat" the American people for years.

Now that they are desperate for some sort save face maneuver; they have to start cutting their own throats - it's called self destruction.

We will just sit back and watch their down fall; it’s coming a lot quicker than I imagined - they are completely without leadership at this point.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:10 PM)

Alienate your senators Mr. Steele, and they may make a jump to another party.

I'm sure that the DNC would welcome Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, and Arlen Specter with open arms...in fact i'm sure that the DNC would fight tooth and nail for their re-election. They would have just cause stating that "the RNC has continued to go down a path that does not represent the true ideology of past Republican thought, this is not lincolns party"

One can dream

GP NW Indiana (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:10 PM)

The republican party has become animalistic...eat your own. By the time they are finished, there will be a huge empty space that was once the Republican party. President Lincoln once said a House divided cannot stand. We could be looking at the Pat Buchanan, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin party and the George Will party. How dumb is that!!

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:11 PM)

The party of Hip Hop and now undercutting a sitting Republican Senator? How long do you think Mr Steele is going to be allowed to lead the GOP? While I doubt they will willingly give up a seat to a Dem. Then again they don't seem to have an idea of what the American People want.

MsRoman (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:11 PM)

Dear Chairman Steele:

Please take a moment and create "a plan". Your "shoot from the hip" style is ineffective and counterproductive.

As the first African American elected to lead your party, we need you to represent.

Cut back on the faux "hip hoppiness" and DO A BETTER JOB PLEASE! You were hired to bring the Republican Party TOGETHER, not tear it apart.

This is so much bigger than yourself - please don't screw this up.

Thank you.

African Americans For Good Government (AAFGG) (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:12 PM)

'...Steele's comments signaled a stark departure from past practice (the National Republican Senatorial Committee provided significant help to Specter in his '04 primary contest against Pat Toomey) and seemed to violate Ronald Reagan's famous 11th Commandment (never speak ill of another Republican)...'

IS this guy the BIGGEST BUFFOON in the Republican trash bin ?
Don't forget, there's Eric Cantor and
Mitch McConJob and the Boner

(sorry, Nooooot, I forgot you
How about some new 'ideas' ?
Like invading Iraq or de-regulating the economy or giving tax cuts to the rich ?)

(or shagging Congressional aides?)

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:12 PM)

I loved this:
In fact, the party’s almost always been at its strongest when it was broad and had its big tent out.

When was that? In the 1800's? The republican party is anything but a big tent unless its a big rich white mans tent.

steele worries about what republicans will say about Specter because he voted for America first, he should think about all the Democrats who may vote for Specter because of that.

mary dale, clinton, iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:13 PM)

Someone should tell Mr. Steele that NOBODY beats Sen. Spector in PA. Until Spector resigns, he'll always win. It's more or less a PA fact.

Hank M, Philly 'Burbs (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:13 PM)

I thought Steele was suppose to be a moderate. What a losing strategy this will turn out to be. As a PA voter firmly in the corner of the Dems, I don't know if I'd vote for Specter just because he voted for the Stimulus (that an overwhelming majority of Americans support), but I know that if he voted no that would have been the end of my consideration. And if the Republicans oust him in the primary, they will lose the general for sure.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:16 PM)

This is such a crock!! Do as I say, or I'll cut you off. That's the republican mantra...you are either with me or against me. Fortunately, I can do what the republicans did. I will switch my registration from democrat to republican and vote for Specter because I admire the man for having principles. He votes against my positions, too, but he is a man who plays the middle of the road most of the time. I think I can get a number of other democrats to do the same as I do. I think this was a republican initiative to get HIllary elected, wasn't it? It will work for Specter as well.

Darla Wilshire, Altoona PA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:17 PM)

"The Office" Cast

1. Creed - Joe Biden
2. Angela - Nancy Pelosi
3. Stanley - Robert Byrd
4. Kelly - Hillary Clinton
5. Andy - Timothy Geithner
6. Michael - Robert Gates
7. Dwight - Eric Holder
8. Kevin - Robert Gibbs

I still think Eric Holder is a solid lock for Howard Sprague from the Andy Griffith show though.

Sandy Moore, Indy (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:18 PM)

Ha Ha... Micheal Steele your words don't speak for your party; unless you're shown to be a dim-wit. The Cato Institute recently praised Crist as one of the most fiscally conservative governors in the country. Roll over Beethoven. Ha Ha!

Steele and Jindal should know obstructionist Republicans can’t go toe-to-toe with President Obama. President Obama has really high levels of optimism and confidence amongst Americans about his leadership. Overall, 68 percent of people approve of his job performance, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds. A New York Times/CBS News polls finds that more than three-quarters of those surveyed were optimistic about the next four years with Obama in charge, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:21 PM)

I say let it happen: Let the RNC pull funding for people who support the President, and regular, average working Americans. Let them nominate another right wing ideologue, who will be easily beaten in blue states like Maine and PA. Then watch the Republicans REALLY stamp their feet and throw temper tantrums when they can't force a filibuster on cloture votes, because they will have ensured that more than 60 Democrats are in the Senate.

Please Mr. Steele - keep doing what you're doing. For the good of America: Please continue on the path you're on. Thank you.

Jose Von Hussein (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:22 PM)

This is great! They are now adding SPITE to their recipe of intollerance, lack of compassion for anybody and tax-cuts for the rich. The GOP is so 1900's. Get over it.

CdV LA CA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:24 PM)

wow: i am so tired of people complaining, do you not have any faith in God, i am a black man and im happy that we have a president of color but my faith is not in man nor him, my faith is in God, yes i never had a millon dollar but i never ask for handouts either, thank God for his grace and mercy towwards us, we are back in the land wear God delievered us out of when he open the red sea all we do is complain about every thing, start praying that mr. President let God use him to help us get out the mess we are facing today God bless the president and the entire USA

jwayne (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:24 PM)

Shelley Florida (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:25 PM)

Great pic of Cavuto and Steele.

Anybody got a bone to pick with Steele's answer?

The 3 Repubs that "jumped ship" will have a tough time of it. There's a price to be paid for some tough decisions made, especially the wrong ones.

Monkberry Moon (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:26 PM)

Michael Steele.....the gift that keeps on giving!
Aren't we luck to have another imbecile at the TOP?
Good news for the Democratic Party in 2010, 2012, etc.! Word to Michael....YOU go, baby!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:27 PM)

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:28 PM)

From NBC's Mark Murray
In an interview yesterday on FOX, new RNC chair Michael Steele suggested that the three Republicans who voted for the stimulus -- Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania -- would face primary challenges, and he left open the possibility that the three might not receive funds from the RNC. (Hat tips: the Washington the Washington Post's Greg Sargent and Politico's Ben Smith.)

Reported from the infested noise group. It appears that strong arm tatics and obstruction seems to be their only recourse.

Here are a group of irresponsible asses that first elected a "token" to represent their party following the stright talk express, country first baloney, that was laced with insergence of racisium and violence, now have the nerve to turn and eat their own. Oh yes, use one of their own, to get their own (in more ways than one)and this ass bought the whole bag of shitz.

What is it about this picture that is wrong. What is it about this picture that should be taken seriously and trusted?

Now Hardball, this is the type of cut throat that "is" the reality of what the African American community is dealing with these days, the sleezy lieing, theiving politician. Here is your thug. undercover, self serving crook.

This is what our youth is dealing with these days and he is no cause for celebration, need to call an exterminator.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:29 PM)

Mr. Steele - keep up the good work. Don't be the Pinochio that Obama is. YOU are the sign of things to come and you'll be around when BHO is done.

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:29 PM)

I don't know about Snowe or Collins, but speaking as a Pennsylvanian I can safely say that Specter has nothing to worry about. He's a popular senator here in PA among both Dems and Republicans (which is why Chris Matthews would have never beaten him), and is most assuredly guaranteed to retain his seat with or without RNC help.

What Steele should worry about is how STUPID he sounds. Between his "GOP Hip-Hop" makeover and statements like this, he makes himself sound more and more like the 'TOKEN' that he was elected to be. The more he talks, the more he sounds like the African-American male version of Sarah Palin.

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:30 PM)

To Specter, Collins, and Snowe, the Democratic Party is open and welcoming. We'll be glad to have you if you should decide to abandon that sinking ship you are on. You know that governing from the center is the best way to govern but those who criticize you are still living in the recent past where they thought governing from the far right fringe was the way to go. So, once again, the door is open come on in to the light and out of the darkness. Join the Democratic Party.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:32 PM)

The new face of the Republican Party. he he he !

"The confederate will rise again, you all". - Sen Shelby (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:34 PM)

The Repukes are on a true path of
"self-destruction". Leave them alone, as they continue to "eat their own kind". That's what animals do in the wild, without food or out of shear fear of the strength of another.......Wink!!!!!!

DENY, LIE, COVERUP!!!!!!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:34 PM)

We have great hopes for the republicans with a MORON like their leader!

MCJ Colorado (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:35 PM)

And the result will be much like it was for the Dems and Liberman. He still sits with the Dems but they don't own or control him.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:35 PM)

It doesn't happen too often, but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke can go home tonight and tell his family, "I set off a nice stock market rally."

Hopefully, Obama can keep the momentum going and not kill it with negatives and excuses tonight.

If the market falls tomorrow after his speech, we have no one else to blame.

He needs to be re-writing his speech ASAP if it's anything other than good news, confidence and no excuses.

Can we all for once agree on that?

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:35 PM)

Hmmmm...RNC.
Holes of the A.s.s variety.

Buzz (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:36 PM)

Richard, Washington State - there’s no such thing AAFGG - that's some crap made up by FR.

Don't be so gullible

Rich are you serious? (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:37 PM)

I'M OFFENDED, BAYYYY BEEEE!

Dick Vitale (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:38 PM)

Wouldn't it be sweet justice if Collins Snowe and Specter changed their party affiliations and joined the Democrats? Can you say "Filibuster Proof", Baby?

Mark Vesich, Fort Mill, SC (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:38 PM)

Really - who's taking the Republicans serious - beside their base?

America doesn’t care about what the Governor Jindal as to say.

He's a no body - he's playing with the lives of his own statesmen in an effort to gain political points for a presidential election that is years away.

He’s a scumbag and only care about being the only President with an Indian heritage (the country).

He’s the Republican Party pathetic attempt at history making - freaking pitiful.

The Republican Party is becoming the "laughing stock" of our Democracy.

Shameless buffoons!!!.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:38 PM)

I like to know why it so hard for Republicans to be able to think for themselves. Do they always have to follow the party line or can they use some of their own human intelligence and think for themselves.The difference between humans and lower forms of animals is that God gave us a brain to make intelligent decisions for ourselves. Its about time that the republicans start using theirs.

Shelley Florida

And where do you credit your ideas and philosophies from?

Think about what you just said here. You show your lack of a brain by thinking you come up with your own ideas and thoughts and no one else can.

Slide over to Orlando and apply for the role of Goofy.

Marcus D., Chicago (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:39 PM)

As a white American, is it OK for me to agree with African Americans for Good Government, especially the "hip-hoppiness" comment.

It's enough to have to live with today's faux bi-partisanship. Fake cool runs a close second.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:28 PM)
***************************************************
i was thinking the exact same thing... less cool and more substance would be a good start...

Tzalaran (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:41 PM)

Good grief, what a dope. Now that really makes sense, undercut your sitting republican senators and threaten them. If you're a democrat, start cheering because it sounds as if Steele is saying he doesn't care what happens to Specter, Collins or Snowe's senate seats. Guess he doesn't realize that the reason those three are senators is they serve their entire constituency by voting for what's best not just to suit the republicans.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:42 PM)

There were a few Democrats who voted against the stimulus, yet you don't see the Democratic party making them outcasts. They are free to represent their districts as their constituents want them to. Apparently in the GOP one must toe the line or be forever punished. RIP dear GOP.

moir (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:45 PM)

Well, Steele wants to be more urban, maybe he should just threaten to pop a cap in their ass.

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:47 PM)

Plain and simple, there will be no Republican party in four years. Talk about the blind leading the blind. When you have no vision, and you have no leadership, the party is over. Say goodnite gracie, its time to go and pray our way back to the top

jeff marbach, boynton beach, fl (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:51 PM)

“Will you, as RNC head, recommend no RNC funds being provided to help them?” Steele was asked.
see here this goof goes again, saying stupid things. micheal steele man, do you realise that the republicans are using you as there front boy!!! try to challenge Arlen Specter and your time as the republican national chairmen will be shorted than roland burris senate term.

jeff D evanston IL. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:51 PM)

So Steele sees no risk in cannibalizing his own party and throwing electability out the window (after two years of landslide losses...) just to punish those who stray from conservative dogma? This guy was a mistake for the GOP...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:51 PM)

Josh Larson, FL - did you not read the memo? NO one's believing that blame game BS anymore.

The markets control themselves based on their own self interest.

Get real - just watch - the "Wall Streeters" will self destruct - just like their conservative counterpart.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:58 PM)

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