Michael Steele’s leadership (or lack thereof) is driving donors away from the RNC
Most of you know that I did not support Michael Steele’s bid for chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and that I’ve been a staunch critic of his since taking office. I didn’t support his candidacy for two main reasons:
- He isn’t conservative enough;
- He lacks the leadership skills necessary for that position.
I’m not the only questioning his leadership (or lack thereof), and some, including big-time RNC donors–are even questioning the calibration of Steele’s ethical compass to the point where they’re withholding or redirecting their usual RNC financial contributions.
“I don’t plan to give to the Republican National Committee this cycle, and no other major donor I know is planning to either,” Christine Toretti, a Pennsylvania RNC member and a longtime major donor to the RNC and other GOP campaign committees and causes, told The Washington Times.
Mrs. Toretti said that she and other major donors have never received a telephone call from Mr. Steele soliciting money for the RNC, the GOP’s chief campaign fundraising committee.
Lawrence Bathgate, who served a record three times as RNC finance chairman during and after the Reagan era, told The Times, “No, I haven’t given to the RNC this cycle.”
“I will help the Republican Governors Association and the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee this year. I’ve made commitments,” Mr. Bathgate said.
I know some of these donors are still contributing to moderate Republican committees like the National Republican Senatorial Committee, but the simple fact that they are choosing to elsewhere with their dollars should serve as a lesson to the RNC: Don’t elect non-conservatives or someone who is devoid of leadership skills to the RNC chairman post.
The old adage from the business world that consumers vote for products and services with their dollars holds equally true in the world of political fundraising. Republican donors are voting heavily in opposition to Michael Steele and the RNC.
Steele’s days as RNC chairman are numbered.
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