RNC eyeing Dawson? (State GOP chairman mentioned in national publications as contender)

The Post and Courier ^ | Friday, November 7, 2008 | Yvonne Wenger

[nickcarraway]

State GOP Chairman Katon Dawson's name is being floated as a contender to lead the country's Republicans, weakened by Election Day defeats across the country.

Neal Thigpen, a political science professor at Francis Marion University, said Thursday that Dawson could be well-positioned to take the reins as chairman of the Republican National Committee, especially as the South Carolina GOP held strong against a Democratic tidal wave elsewhere.

Given the state of the party now, earning the position at this time could be an easier battle but the payoff would be less, Thigpen said.

"Being the chairman of the out party in terms of power is really fool's gold," Thigpen said. "What I mean by it is, you've got usually a thankless job in rebuilding the party, rasing more money and trying to get the party back on its feet."

Dawson, the country's third longest-serving state GOP chairman, said he is flattered that his name has been mentioned in publications, including The Washington Post and TIME, and that he would be interested in the position but has not decided.

Right now, Dawson said his focus is on helping his party analyze the election and figure out where to go next. He has invited colleagues and members of the national committee to Myrtle Beach next weekend for an information gathering.

Thigpen said it would be tradition for current RNC Chairman Mike Duncan to step down, given the party's presidential loss. Duncan was elected to the position in January 2007. "Someone's got to pay," Thigpen said.

Thigpen said as the contenders line up, he'd expect a "scrap" for the job. But, he said, Dawson would hold up well, considering his winning record in South Carolina and Dawson's personal assets. "He's done a sterling job here," Thigpen said. "He's young. He's an attractive man. He's smart. He's got some money.

"He loves grabbing the other side by the hair. You've got to have that kind of ability."

[WOSG]

“I admit my original post was a kneejerk reaction. “

That’s a bad habit we MUST stop. Let’s stop shooting at our own good guys.

I dont know this guy from SC so cant comment. OTOH:

Tina Benkhiser (TX GOP head). Sorry, but I dont think she’s that great to deserve that promotion.
Texas GOP has not done well last 2 cycles, and we have a possible Perry v Hutchison tranwreck coming. What will she do to stop it?

Another comment: A southern-oriented chairman might not be the best at the biggest task we face - rebuilding in the midwest and northeast.

So what about the Mighican guy? Saul Anuzi?

Also, My top pick is Gingrich. WE NEED IDEAS AND AN ABILITY TO ARTICULATE A MESSAGE. GINGRICH IS IT. The other benefit is that WE HAVE NO REAL LEADER NOW, without a President.
GINGRICH IS AN ARTICULATE SPOKESMAN.

Make Gingrich the RNC Chair and put one of the state party chairs in the vice-chair role to run the organization.

[WOSG]

“These would both be full time party technicians, not known as party spokesmen. Newt could be both. “

That’s the rub.

The best RNC Chair in 20 years was Haley Barbour. he was a good spokesman and a good leader.

[Tom_Busch]

I don’t know much about Steele, but he seems to be charismatic and good with the media when I’ve seen him.

[TNCMAXQ]

I’m so glad Free Republic is back. I was afraid 0bama’s goons had silenced it already.

If Haley Barbour could be a full time chairman that would be great but I don’t want to see him leave as governor.

He has that thick accent that supposedly is a turn off to some. Moderate Republicans say we nominate to many southerners at the top of the ticket. That was not the case this year, and we lost anyway. Same in 1996. In recent elections the GOP only seems to win when there’s a Texan running.

[WOSG]

I dont want barbour as RNC Chair. I want net Gingrich.
Haley Barbour though is a good example to follow in what we need.

Let’s keep him as your Governor.