[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/09/art.steele.gi.jpg caption="Steele has twice said he is open to supporting primary challengers to moderate Senate Republicans."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - The Republican National Committee announced Wednesday it is transferring $1 million to both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Senate and House groups in charge of electing Republicans to Congress.
"The Republican National Committee stands by our outstanding leaders in both houses of Congress," said RNC Chairman Michael Steele in a statement. "This is an investment in strong, principled Republican leadership."
That endorsement appears to represent an about-face for Steele, who has said he is open to supporting primary challengers to the three Republican senators who supported President Obama's stimulus package.
Just yesterday, Steele told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham that he remains open to supporting primary challenges, as long as state GOP leaders are on board.
"As I said, that is something that is absolutely on the table for me," Steele told Ingraham. "I'm not backing down from that."
NRSC Chairman John Cornyn thanked Steele for the "strong financial commitment" from the RNC.
"Strengthening and modernizing our fundraising operations is a top priority for the NRSC this cycle and this support from Chairman Steele today helps us build on a strong foundation moving forward," Cornyn said.
NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions Washington said Steele's donation will help them win the special election New York's 20th Congressional District later this month.
"He is deeply committed to rebuilding the Party in blue states, and he's putting action behind his words," Sessions said of Steele. "Not only has Chairman Steele personally been on the ground in New York twice, his staff is fully engaged and helping to make sure we have a superior grassroots turnout operation. Having worked with Michael before, I look forward to partnering with him again as we work to expand our party."
Story updated at 1:43 p.m. EST
But what does Rush say? Has this been approved?
What a clown.
When he groveled to fatfaced drug addict and felonious anti-American traitor Rush Limbaugh, that pretty much said everything we need to know about Steele.
I can't wait to see his bizarre "Off da Hook" pandering, though. Should be hysterical!
Republcans are so sad I'm actually almost feeling sorry for them. Almost.
Does anyone else out there get the idea that the GOP is going to regret having this man at the helm?He certainly seems to be somewhat wishy-washy and definitely a flip-flopper on most issues.
Come to think of it,maybe he is precisely the man for the job.Those qualities seem to be the profile of Republicans these days.
steele this is what you say today, but tomorrow will you back down, like you did with racist limbaugh.
Don't come into NC. We got rid of one worthless republican. Think maybe we'll get rid of a couple more next year. Waste of your time.
Anyone who is an actual spokesperson for the Republican party that apologizes to Rush Limbaugh for the demonic comments he has made toward the current President won't have a chance in hell of securing a "BLUE" state any type of election and could possibly lose a few more red states if this mess keeps up. Republican big wigs, continue to let Limbaugh talk for the so called conservatives of the Republican Party and you will see has fast Limbaugh and the party will be "GONE WITH THE WIND!" 2010 elections are not far away. Sometimes you have to back away from politics and seek humanity. God be with you.
He can try all he wants but it won't work. Rep. Bonehead Boehner will be gone next year.
For all those who said President Bush failed, well, didn't America then failed? An if America has already failed, how then can President Obama succeed?
Did you get permission from master Rush to do this?
For all those who said President Bush failed, well, didn't America then failed? An if America has already failed, how then can President Obama succeed?
Yes sir MR Rush sir.
Ill dos want you like.
Oh yes sir Ill make sure I sound sincere.
Oh thanks sir ... Im so blessed to serve white man.
I know, you libs hope it won't work – Rep. Boehner is hardly a bonehead simply because he opposes obama's moves.
Steele ! please u have been black long enough to know when you are bening used if BO had not won you know that the GOP would have not given you a second thoug! Ever black person in america knew that you or some other black person was goning to become the head of the GOP and you knew that to!
Michael Steele is nothing more than a token for the Rnc
Ummm....does doughboy Rush know about this? Steele had better check with him. . . just sayin'....
( R O F L)
Please, please, please put up a Limbaugh/Palin GOP ticket in 2012. The debates would be hilarious as those two tried to defend their wacko theories and ensure another 4 years of an Obama administration. Since the GOP can't engage us with intelligence, they may as well entertain us. 🙂
Run Forest Run!
I don't want another four years of Obama, cuz by then the Dow will be by minues 6,594...