Loading ...
SCGOP CHAIR HOPES TO BE NEXT PARTY LEADER, GINGRICH, OTHERS STAND IN WAY
It’s no secret among state and national political insiders that South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson is doing everything possible to position himself as the frontrunner to head the Republican National Committee.
Although he isn’t yet publicly proclaiming it, sources say Dawson is not-so-secretly waging his campaign to lead the Republican Party.
The South Carolina auto parts salesman has a knack for raising Republican Party money. But Dawson is not alone in his bid for the RNC post. Republican leaders in different states say a growing number of hopefuls have been making calls and sending out feelers to be the leader to replace current chairman Mike Duncan, even though Duncan is said to want a new, two-year term.
Energy, a track record and the ability to raise money seem to be qualities high on many Republican officials’ lists. They’ll make the decision in January, when national committee members from every state and territory take a vote.
“I want to see nerves of steel,” said North Carolina GOP chairwoman Linda Daves.
Dawson, 52, isn’t trying to squelch the chatter about his ambitions.
“We’re not at the point we’re ready to make a formal announcement,” Dawson said Friday. “I am certainly encouraged by the conversations I’ve had.” [AP]
Standing in Dawson’s way though, is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has expressed interest in the post. And Gingrich’s name ID alone would make him a very formidable opponent.
The other heavy-hitter in the race is Jim Nussle, the current director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The one major advantage Dawson holds over Gingrich and Nussle though, is that he represents the future, while they represent the past. Perhaps to emphasize that point, Dawson arranged a high-profile meeting later this week in Myrtle Beach among RNC members to discuss how to get the party back on track.
Of course, there will be others in the race including Duncan, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, and Saul Anuzis, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.
For goodness sakes, just look at SC and the SC GOP! Any examination of them should send Katon packing…to Mexico!
The SC GOP is a relic from the past. Under Katon’s watchful eye, It gave us John McCain in 08, a shrinking percentage of the vote, and an ever increasing desire to whore itself out for money and power.
A small clique of people run the SC GOP…and that bunch has done well promoting itself. The party, and our state, are sliding further and further towards failure. Katon and his close circle, and their rabid style of 1980’s pre-packaged mantras are to blame.
We need a new group to lead this state and GOP…and I suppose in the tradition of the GOP we will promote the fools higher. Too bad, that.
Greg- The SC GOP won a lot of races this year. You can say what you want about the quality of people they put in office (and I definitely would), but it’s hard to argue against the electoral success they’ve had, which is what Katon Dawson is in charge of.
I love the totally unsupported “Katon Dawson represents the future, while they represent the past” statement. Are you guys supporting Dawson’s bid so you can get your own man back into the state chairman spot?
They’ll have to get rid of Newt first. Fine by me. Maybe Dawson’s crew can call in some of those Romney folk to help spread the manure (on Newt) around. Lordy knows we got plenty we can lend ‘em around here.
Also, our Georgia political MSM are lagging soooo far behind Palmetto Scoop in southern political poop/news that I’m thinking of canceling all my subscriptions. Oops… getting ahead of myself. Already did that!
Kayton know he’ll not be reelected to SCGOP so is looking for a “graceful out”. You guys are correct, he hasn’t a prayer of getting the RNC slot nor would we want him there. Nothing further!
Run, Katon, run!
At the end of his first term, the GOP should be relegated to the poorest, most ignorant and regressive states in union.
Then, to paraphrase Grover Norquist, it can be dragged to a bath tub and drowned.