February 17, 2009
Posted: February 17th, 2009 06:21 PM ET

From
RNC chairman Michael Steele is hoping for a win in NY-20.
RNC chairman Michael Steele is hoping for a win in NY-20.

(CNN) – Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele is following through on his pledge to pump cash into the special election race in New York’s 20th congressional district.

The RNC is spending $80,000 on a new television spot supporting GOP candidate Jim Tedisco, the New York assemblyman hoping to take back the seat for Republicans after Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed to the U.S. Senate.

A Republican win in the Northeast could boost party morale - and fundraising - as the GOP struggles to find its feet after last November’s losses.

Though the district traditionally leans Republican, Steele has attached serious symbolic importance to the seat. After traveling to New York to meet with state party officials last month, he called the race a “battle royale” and named the March 31 special election as a top priority before the focus turns to this fall’s gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey.

The Democrat in the race - venture capitalist Scott Murphy - went up with his first ad last week, but without the help of national party money.

Filed under: RNC


Mberwa, NY   February 17th, 2009 11:16 pm ET

oh no! y waste so much money... new yorkers are not that stupid.. I will be voting and I know many ppl who wouldnt vote for any republpig and that ad will back fire, just let it start airing..

raagos   February 17th, 2009 11:14 pm ET

I ALOT AMERICAN FAMILY SLEEPING WITHOUT FOOD EVERY NIGHT AND GOP SPEND ALL THIS MONEY FOR WHAT . JUST TO WIN.

Jean   February 17th, 2009 11:13 pm ET

She told you to veto that 700+ billion dollar bill.

C   February 17th, 2009 10:44 pm ET

OHH BOY! IT'S "THE PARTY OF NO" OUT TO BANKRUPT ANOTHER PART OF THE COUNTRY!

Shelli   February 17th, 2009 10:41 pm ET

This man is a dullard, first of all he is the Republican's TOKEN and he is shuffling his way along just like they want him to. This is sad and shamful. He thinks that he is the big cheese and he is not even cheese whiz. He has slapjacked himself world wide and people can see it crazy as it may seem he can't. This man thinks that he gained this position on his own merits and does not know that he was chosen because the President is Black and whites love to see black people go at each other and make themselves look really bad. I am suprised that he is not as smart as he thought he was.

Shelli of New York City, NY

John   February 17th, 2009 10:38 pm ET

GOP spending dollars on special elections?

Re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

BJ   February 17th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

You Democrats may not want to be too cockey just yet. Unless your living in a vacume, by now you should know that the majoority of Americans think the stimulus is a piece of crap that will do nothing for the economy, and are very disillusioned by the way your fearless leader pushed this through. If it doen't work (I believe it won't in time to save congress or Obama) the democrats will more than likely be run out of town on a rail. In the mean time the republcan parrty will be rebuilding itself and waiting for the opportunity to pounce.

Obama 2012   February 17th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

This man is the epitome of why black people are no respected no more than they are!!

jaye   February 17th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

So, the token republican leader is out to score a win for republicans in NY? This will surely fail.

T   February 17th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

Steele go back to your sister business / you gave thousand of dollars to. You are a big mess . All of your wicked deens will come to light.

Listening to America   February 17th, 2009 9:42 pm ET

wow. The Republicans are spending and wasting money!!

I guess being desperate makes a party reckless.

Justin from New Haven, CT   February 17th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Wow when winning one house seat is a big deal win a Republican leaning district, you know the GOP is screwed.

Proud American   February 17th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

Idiot republicans loved throwing money down the drain. Remember Palin and her shopping sprees? Yes you paid for that too. Why don't you Morons just send the money to me at least I would put it to better use. Let's face it you Idiots are not going to win any election anytime soon in this country.

Otto   February 17th, 2009 9:23 pm ET

Just one letter from the DNC will smash Steel Mike's arrogance. This is New York; can't you see how BLUE the State is? This is not South Carolina, we are not hilly billies, get that right!

aliou   February 17th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

Republican party, the party of no!!!!

Who wants to be part of that?

No amount of cash can make americans forget the last few days of obstructionism.

Jeff W.   February 17th, 2009 9:14 pm ET

How disgraceful that Michael Steele backs a party that has been notoriously racist, sexist, homophobic and generally rejecting of anyone that isn't a fat, white male. Shame on you, Michael.

Texas Teacher   February 17th, 2009 9:11 pm ET

Steel is the token Black Guy that the GOP pulled out of the dregs of their party to try to offset Obama.... stupid tactic ... you know... I know Barack Obama... and this guy is NO Barack Obama!

sam   February 17th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

It's strange (to me anyway), that the RepubliCAN'T Party uses diversity in a bad way. Case in point, they used John McCain (AGE), Sarah Palin (GENDER), and Michael Steele (RACE). They used these three people for the fall and demise of the GOP. How Sad!!

Texas Teacher   February 17th, 2009 9:09 pm ET

You are hanging on by your fingernails as it is, Repubs!

Pat, CA   February 17th, 2009 9:08 pm ET

At this point, after the Obama fiascos - ANYTHING Republican is OK with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Texas Teacher   February 17th, 2009 9:07 pm ET

Oh, that is rich! Steele just keep telling yourself that you still have a chance! Especially if Obama does not succeed.... don't bank on it, repubs.... just don't bank on it!

S. Hellier   February 17th, 2009 9:02 pm ET

Does everyone really think that a one party state is the answer? 16 years ago the Democrats were in the same position as the Republicans. Does everyone really think that the Democrats now with all the power that the Republicans had for eight years will not do the same thing?

ranjit   February 17th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Way to go Mr. Steele. We Republicans always tend to do well in special election. This district is a very conservative district and we can win it. Let me send a check.

RSB   February 17th, 2009 8:57 pm ET

Spend that money! Honestly I'm not sure anybody cares what you think, Mr. Steele.

irene   February 17th, 2009 8:53 pm ET

THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT ALL THE MONEY BEING SPENT,AND HERE THEY GO SPENDING ALL THIS MONEY ON CAMPAIGNS.
PUT THIS MONEY TO BETTER USE.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   February 17th, 2009 8:38 pm ET

A 'battle royale' for a House seat from Upstate New York? This is what the RNC has come to? The you'll only be 76 seats behind. Way to go Steeley Mike!

Dittohead   February 17th, 2009 8:25 pm ET

Nothing better than arrogant liberals making themselves look stupid.

You have become everything that claim to hate.

jon   February 17th, 2009 8:20 pm ET

i will vote in ny bad news for them

Luis   February 17th, 2009 8:04 pm ET

No amount of MONEY will save your party!

So long as your narrow focus is on enriching
yourselves and your special interests friends,
Americans will shun your Republican party.

Had It   February 17th, 2009 7:59 pm ET

Oh no – no the "token one in the republican party" spouting off at the mouth again.

Staunch Democrat   February 17th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

Brad in Il,

If Michael Steele was so great.....why wasn't he put up as McCain's running mate?

Seems to me that none of their, show me the birth certificate, you Muslim, palling around with terrorist, radical Ayers, & Fletcher, fearmongering 24X7 led by Hannity seemed to not penetrate or stop President Obama...so now they found a new "gimmick", use a Black man against another Black man, as a last resort. It won't work! 97% of Blacks will vote DEMOCRATIC REGARDLESS OF RACE OR GENDER!

Obama 2.0   February 17th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

What are the running on ? Reaching across the isle, HA fi$cal con$ervative, HA save your money you will need it.

Soldier 4 OBAMA   February 17th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

The Democrats will keep Virginia and New Jersey, all their candidate need is a Presidential and Vice President campaign strength. The GOP have Rudy, Romney and McCain. OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, STAY THE COURSE CHANGE cannot happen with the GOP keep the EAST BLUE!

John in KY   February 17th, 2009 7:53 pm ET

Republican Party is so "TOKEN" trying to catch up to the party that tore them down it's LAUGHABLE!

vamp123   February 17th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

This dude needs to stop thinking he's the RNC's answer to Obama. He behaves like Rush and Hannity, talks like he just stepped off of Foxnews, and looks like he was on Wall Street as they were screwing the american public.
Dear Joe American Public, please pay no attention to repukes. they screwed you once (rather more than once) now they want to endorse another repuke to represent NY, I don't think so.
Dear RNC, go crawl into the cave you sent many many people in the past 8 years of HELL!

Mel of Alexandria, Virginia   February 17th, 2009 7:44 pm ET

Is Mr.Steele, like the rest of the GOP, taking his marching orders from Rush? Please do not allow him to lead you into a trap, Mr. Steele, because you will be blamed for the total collapse of the party. And when that loud mouth gets going you will be toast.

Chill Pill For Brad Please   February 17th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

@ Brad of IL

Gee Brad, get out much? You sound like a pscho. That's what happens when you follow losers like George-7th-Worst-President-Ever-Bush. Your insides get all churned up and you don't know your head from your rear. Chill Brad, you'll survive, GW is gone, thank goodness.

Angie   February 17th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

rnc chairman and the entire gop thinks that will get them elected? WRONG!!!! THEY ARE STILL A BUNCH OF LOSERS!!!!

Mel of Alexandria, Virginia   February 17th, 2009 7:31 pm ET

Is Steele, like the rest of the GOP, taking his marching orders from Rush? Please do not allow him to lead you into a trap, Mr. Steele, because you will be blamed for the total collapse of the party.

jdp   February 17th, 2009 7:29 pm ET

It doesn't matter... Once again, this article is just adding to the complete insignificance of the Republican party.

virginia for obama   February 17th, 2009 7:26 pm ET

Brad in IL,
you're wrong! Obama is not a do nothing president. You may not like what he does, but do nothing not by a long shot.

Personally! I impressed with his efforts.

Kaye -Jacksonville FL   February 17th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

This should be fun to watch – let's hope the Republicans get yet another butt-whoop.

Independent   February 17th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

Money used to help American citizens in need is considered by the Republicans as wasteful spending but they are more than willing to pump great sums of money to their campaign. Makes you wonder???

Ruth   February 17th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

Go ahead~! Waste you money!

Simmy   February 17th, 2009 7:14 pm ET

Some grand standing that is. Supporting a candidate in a district that will probably vote Repub. anyway. You'll need that vote, and quite a few more in the House. By the way, that would not be a "battle royale." Someone is really camped out in the state of denial.

Peter (CA)   February 17th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

If Mr. Steele's idea is to bring in more obstructionists to further send this country to ruin, I hope he fails.

Hey, guess Rush is good for a quote.

Brad of IL.   February 17th, 2009 7:12 pm ET

Michael Steele will not listen to or drink that Obama piss you call kool-aid. When 2010 rolls around and Obama rating's drop drastically (and they will for this nut job do nothing President) it will be very easy for the GOP

C.S.A republicans   February 17th, 2009 7:11 pm ET

No ones listening to you uncle mike or your loser party.

Yuck = GOP   February 17th, 2009 7:09 pm ET

I have faith in New Yorkers, they know carpetbeggars when they see them. The party of the 7th Worst President Ever will not get far in the Big Apple, trust me.

Ellie   February 17th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

Steele is quoted as saying.... "A Republican win in the Northeast would boost morale in the party".....

You're party is a DAY LATE and a couple of BILLION dollars short buddy.
ALL the money is the world is NOT going to change the "delusions" of your party. How much longer is the RNC and GOP going to live in the Reagan years. I mean, aren't we suppose to be moving forward?

I'm not pitching a horse-driven wagon anytime soon Steele. Those cowboy days are long gone.

Obama-Wannabe   February 17th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

Michael Steele is an idiot–bankroll that.

Giggle   February 17th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

Delusional bunch, uuummm ???

Sorry I am not going down on this ship !

Signed

ex repub.

Betty Phillips   February 17th, 2009 6:51 pm ET

What hole did EZ crawl from? It is obvious that he has never taken the time to listen to MICHAEL STEELE. He is the one person that we needed to be the RNC Chairman. I along with so many others find this man to be sooo knowledgeable and intellegent. He will show just what he is planning to do, so we can feel human again. Nice to know you are there Michael!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Betty

Scott L   February 17th, 2009 6:50 pm ET

Steele is going to fix up the RNC big time. I was an independent but after these liberal slimeballs have spent $700billion dollars are marsh mice and contraception I am now creeping back to the right big time.

Vicki5   February 17th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

They are putting money into their own funerals then, which is fine by me.

Carol   February 17th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

They are wasting their money.

Cynthia - Arkansas   February 17th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

Good luck to you on that. "Making work, not a job" Steele is clueless. I loved the Saturday Night Live skit last week, where the Republicans really thought they were doing great with their Party of "No" and their Taliban jihad bull. It would be funny, if it wasn't so pathetic.

I really wish all those who gave President Obama the "big, fat goose egg" they were so proud of, would not take any of the stimulas package. They could go home and explain to their voters how smart they are.

HelloooOOOOO   February 17th, 2009 6:43 pm ET

gee, reminds me of the "mafia" wars...N Y versus Ill...may the smartest state win...

EZ   February 17th, 2009 6:43 pm ET

RNC Chairman – I strongly suggest you save every penny you've got buddy, because your party is going to need it come 2010 and 2012 and then some.

When President Obama's Administration proves just how incompetent your party has been for 8 LONG years and how "out of touch" the RNC continues to be by IGNORING the voices of millions of voters, your party will be FINITO......KA-put,, DONE....

Lost in Texas FOREVER   February 17th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

wonder if he got Rush's permission first?

Griff   February 17th, 2009 6:39 pm ET

So I say it again???? Where did the word "Dollar" fome from?
It's not American.... And it won't be much longer...Thanks to Barack Obama...

Seth   February 17th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

Stupid Republicans...........getting ready to dish up more hatred.

S Callahan   February 17th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

If you really wanted this seat you should have had FASO....
well, this area certainly could use some more cash...Bruno can't do too much right now.

TOM   February 17th, 2009 6:36 pm ET

$80,000.00 can buy alot of lies.

Griff   February 17th, 2009 6:36 pm ET

Where did the word "Dollar" come from, America... You better remmember it in History for the Kids... As for today, it has a very short life..

Marcie   February 17th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

I smell another Republican dirty ad coming. . . . . whew!

Lisa   February 17th, 2009 6:33 pm ET

Money CAN buy happiness. . .at least the Republicans think so.

chuck   February 17th, 2009 6:32 pm ET

RNC STANDS FOR RACIAL NATIONAL CONGRESS.

Trent   February 17th, 2009 6:32 pm ET

What a mess the Republican Party has become.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@KuhnCNN: Great meeting @JackGrayCNN today and seeing @sinderbrandrcnn in NYC! AC Rock Stars! :-)
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:10 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Posted today: Clinton foreign trip first on Twitter. http://bit.ly/9Axuh9 /via @PoliticalTicker
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:36:14 -0800
@KuhnCNN: RT @octavianasrCNN: MUST-READ// Coaching tomorrow's world leaders, through social networking -- http://bit.ly/9tmW6x
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:32:51 -0800
@AWMooneyCNN: Metro finally comes and then stops at station for 20 minutes #snoverkill
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:46:27 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: I just shoveled two feet of snow off the roof. That was fun!
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:14:34 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP