[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/27/art.getty.mike.duncan.jpg caption="RNC Chairman Mike Duncan criticized the parody CD Chip Saltsman sent to RNC members."](CNN) - The chairman of the Republican National Committee has become the first major GOP figure to criticize a CD distributed by one of his challengers that included lyrics from a song called "Barack the Magic Negro."
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," Chairman Mike Duncan said in a statement reported by Politico Saturday afternoon. "I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Chip Saltsman – who sent RNC members a parody CD for Christmas that included the controversial tune - defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
(Update after the jump: Blackwell defends Saltsman)
FULL POST
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/27/art.getty.dick.durbin.jpg caption="Sen. Dick Durbin asked President Bush to commute former Gov. George Ryan's prison sentence."]
Watch: Amid one controversy about an Illinois governor there is another. CNN's Elaine Quijano reports on some strange bedfellows.
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