The National Party.

With Florida Sen. Mel Martinez expected to vacate his post as chairman of the Republican National Committee in early 2008, Dan Hoover of the Greenville News is fueling rumors that S.C. GOP Chairman Katon Dawson is interested in the position. When asked about the job, Dawson said, “I’d certainly take a look at it.”

And were he to get it, Spartanburg GOP Chairman Rick Beltram – who is to the Republican Party what Hannibal Lecter is to dinner parties – could become a statewide problem rather than just an Upstate problem.

Dawson, running a state GOP that is one of the party’s few solid bulwarks, has for some time indicated interest in the top job.

There’s no rush, he said, because general chairman Mike Duncan would almost certainly take over and remain in place until thechairman’s term ends. Meanwhile, Dawson said he wants to see party through the final presidential debate and January primary and the 2008 legislative elections

And as soon as Dawson starts running, Spartanburg GOP Chairman Rick Beltram says he’ll be campaigning to be his successor.

He’s already putting together a “campaign team.” [DAN HOOVER - Greenville News]

If Dawson were to be appointed, he would be only the second South Carolinian to serve as Chairman of the RNC. Lee Atwater filled the post from 1989-91.

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Photo: Brad Warthen