[conservative in nyc]

Why is this a big mistake? Although he didn't win, Michael Steele ran one of the best campaigns of any Senate candidate in the country. And he has experience chairing the Maryland Republican Party. Note this, also from the article:

But they said that President Bush's political adviser Karl Rove, who is Mr. Mehlman's mentor, would rather see Mr. Steele serve in the president's Cabinet, perhaps as secretary of Housing and Urban Development. These officials said no one has actually offered Mr. Steele either the RNC post or a Cabinet post.

[StoneWall Brigade]

Look i'd rather have Rick or Delay but I respect there choice

[perfect_rovian_storm]

If Rove would "rather have" him elsewhere, then I am 1000% for Steele taking this position. Rove has been part of the problem, not part of the solution on a lot of things.

[Uriah_lost]

I think Steele has his eye on higher elected office and RNC chief is not a step in that direction so I expect him to turn it down. Rove wants him in the Cabinet and that may be a better route for a man with ambitions.

[rwfromkansas]

The fact that Steele is not rock-hard conservative, just moderate to center-right, upsets some Freepers.

But, this the RNC post. They are concerned with how to win. They don't develop the platform.

I say go Steele. I am sure he will have staff, and he himself will also realize the importance of supporting traditional Republican values.