New Orleans (CNN) – Thirty-one members of the Republican National Committee have signed on to a letter re-affirming their support for chairman Michael Steele in the wake of a spending scandal that has rocked the committee and handed the embattled party leader the most serious challenge of his term.
The letter, organized by Steele allies on the committee over the last 12 hours and provided to CNN, is intended to give the chairman a much-needed boost after nearly two weeks of bad press. It's signed by 31 state GOP chairs from around the country, with more expected to sign on.
The statement of support comes a day after two members of the RNC - both from North Carolina - called on Steele to resign. A number of committee members are gathered in New Orleans, where the Southern Republican Leadership Conference is being held. Steele is scheduled to address the conference on Saturday.
The state chairs called Steele's record of winning elections "stellar" and described his fundraising ability as "solid."
"The charge of any national Chairman is to raise money and win elections," the letter reads, touting the $100 million has raised as chairman and signature GOP victories in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Read the full letter after the jump:
The letter makes no explicit mention of the controversies Steele has brought to the RNC. But the statement makes a vague acknowledgment of his tumultuous tenure, saying that, "Change can sometimes be difficult."
"But the changes Michael Steele has brought to the RNC were essential for our party to adapt, and win, when we do not, for the moment, hold the White House or Congress," the party chairs, many of them Steele allies, wrote.
"We are on the verge of what could be a historic election," said California GOP chairman Ron Nehring, one of the organizers of the letter. "We could well take back the House, the Senate, and the majority of the governorships. The chairs in the states know remaining focused on that goal with the team that delivered Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts is key to making that happen."
To fire Steele, two-thirds of the RNC's 168 members would have to support a resolution calling for the ouster of the chairman.
The letter:
Republican State Chairmen Line Up Behind RNC Chairman Michael SteeleNEW ORLEANS – State Republican leaders from around the country today quickly lined up to show their strong support the Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele for his strong record in winning elections, raising funds to support the Republican campaign, and creating a strong partnership with state parties.
As additional state leaders continue to sign on, 31 chairs have signed the following statement as of this moment:
As Republican Party state chairmen, we believe Chairman Michael Steele can lead the RNC to be a full partner with us this fall in our efforts to fire Nancy Pelosi and win Republican majorities in Congress and among governors. His record at winning elections has been stellar, his fundraising ability has been solid, and he has honed our Victory programs' ability to identify and deliver voters for Republican candidates.
The charge of any national Chairman is to raise money and win elections. With over $100 million raised, victories in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and victories in 29 of 37 special elections, Michael Steele has demonstrated that under his Chairmanship the RNC has the ability, focus, and drive to lead Republicans to a sweeping victory in November.
The RNC under Chairman Michael Steele is a full partner with state committees, responsive to our needs, and intensely interested in providing the support necessary for victory. That process is not an easy process. Technology has had a great impact on the art of politics. That impact has required the RNC to adapt and change to work effectively in this modern environment. Change can sometimes be difficult. But the changes Michael Steele has brought to the RNC were essential for our party to adapt, and win, when we do not, for the moment, hold the White House or Congress.
We stand behind Chairman Steele as he continues to lead us on the path victory in November.
Randy Ruedrich, Alaska
Ron Nehring, California
Dick Wadhams, Colorado
Chris Healy, Connecticut
Tom Ross, Delaware
Robert Kabel, District of Columbia
Sue Everhart, Georgia
Jesus Torres, Guam
Jonah Ka'auwai, Hawaii
Norman Semanko, Idaho
Pat Brady, Illinois
Steve Robertson, Kentucky
Charlie Webster, Maine
Audrey Scott, Maryland
Jennifer Nassour, Massachusetts
Ron Weiser, Michigan
Tony Sutton, Minnesota
Will Deschamps, Montana
Mark Fahleson, Nebraska
John Sununu, New Hampshire
Jay Webber, New Jersey
Harvey Yates, New Mexico
Robert Tiernan, Oregon
Rob Gleason, Pennsylvania
Gio Cicione, Rhode Island
Chris Devaney, Tennessee
Dave Hansen, Utah
Steven Larrabee, Vermont
Pat Mullins, Virginia
Luke Esser, Washington
Reince Priebus, Wisconsin
From CNN Politics
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all i can say to this letter is ......................hahah hahah hahaha these racists on the right just wants americans to know they are not....hahahahah
Forget the strip club. What's up with the new expenditures the RNC filed under "OFFICE SUPPLIES?" I don't consider a tasting at a winery an office supply. $962 is some expensive wine.
The RNC is done
Did they sign the letter at a strip club?
"We are on the verge of what could be a historic election," said California GOP chairman Ron Nehring, one of the organizers of the letter. "We could well take back the House, the Senate, and the majority of the governorships.
Yeah right, good luck with that:)
Nice to see a list of all those that support corruption
Hard to believe that 31 Republicans actually did something. I thought they were on strike until November. Too bad they could never get 31 to do something for the people and the only time they show up is to help one of their own.
What's the story? Don't you know rats always stick together!
Might as well keep "Stainless," because he will just "go rogue" and become a "maverick." He could become the leader of the Tea Bag Party, or see Russia from his back porch, or any gosh darn thing he wants! We'll git back t'ya, winky-wink.
Of course they did.
Now, who's going to check the financial records and the date books to see which one of these individuals got free lap dances and other 'incentives' to help out Steele?
Where is Obama's nuclear resume. Just another example of speaking defensively and not having a clue about what you are speaking about.
I like M. Steel, the Republicans needed some color, but small victories aside one of the most historical debates and pieces of legislation in the last 100 years passed on his Watch; and I don't mean to Palinize this but he had a FULL clip plus plenty rounds of AMMO at his side and his target was a bunch of wounded geese but his gun MISFIRED...............
Time to go....
I wonder how much arse he had to kiss to get 31 people to vouch for .him
Thats right it used to be the "Grand Old Party" the Republican Party and most of all the party of Abe Lincoln, a man of humble beginnings and without a formal eductation or a formal affiliation to any religion, yet Abe was a spiritual man and a giant in wisdom. He accompished much without fancy rhetoric only with his unwavering WILL to lead the then fledgling country to a better future and well he did: he LED the slaves to freedom and despite that the two opposing sides engaged in a civil war, yes despite all that he "UNITED" the country.
So awake "GOP" and reclaim your place in history to be the party of Freedom for all Americans. Invite the People Abe Lincoln freed from slavery into your fold where they belong. Perhaps few outside the African-American communities know just how conservative they are. They believe in self-reliance and a two way street to respect and be respected.....GOP Michael Steele is in the right party and holds the right position.......Remember all are entitled to equal opportunities.
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It is stunning how few RNC members could be pressured into signing this tepid show of support. The Republican circular firing squad continues.
Meanwhile, in contrast to the out-of-touch longtime RNC insiders, grassroots leaders are very aware of the recurring drama that is playing out at the RNC – fiscal irresponsibility, mismanagement and questionable activities – and they are disgruntled and concerned that the RNC, under Steele's direction, is setting a poor example of the kind of leadership voters can expect if Republicans are elected.
This is NOT only about winning elections. It is about demonstrating that the GOP has the ability to govern well when it wins. There is a higher responsibility than just winning elections. The RNC must set a noble example about what government should be about.
Read the signers of the letter and you will know all the republicans that enjoy adult entertainment, strip clubs, and pole dancing vixens!
Why would they not support him, especially after they selected him. Afterall, I have never met a Republican yet that ever admitted he or they were wrong about anything.
They turn their backs on Steele would require that they admit they were wrong. The crooks deserve one another.
Party of Lemmings!
Pkm steeles boss is russ limbum steele only does what russ tells him to do if they fire steele they will loose the black vote
They must report their "Uncle Tom" because without him, the RNC will not be able to pretend they are in support of all people.
Just watching the mess they call "Pailin." She just makes a lot of noise but isn't saying anything.
Boy do I wish they fielded questions after her "speeches." She is a made up joke...period.
Mr. Steele, it's not fun when the fingers are being pointed in your direction and nothing you do is good enough, is it??
The cheese is running out and the rats are starting to turn on themselves.
I love it.
I think that He and the Tea Party are perfect for the GOP. They are made for each other.
Nice. A list of people who suddenly realize that if they take down Mushmouth right now it might really hurt the GOP in November. Mushmouth can expect his pink slip for Xmas.
Does anyone know why the RNC is withholding the names of the other two RNC members who were at Voyeur that night? We find it odd that when people have been fired, have quit and have been asked to resign over this incident that these two national committee members are being protected. Is it because they are California's elected national representatives and since California is the biggest donor state for the RNC these two people are being protected in an attempt to keep the cash flow coming?
That is all he got, they really want him out of there. Come on over to the democrat, we will take you because we are an all inclusive party.