Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele Launches Bid For GOP's Top Spot

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele has announced that he will seek the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

"Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for," Steele said in a press release, according to CBS. "We can tell you why public schools aren't working, but not articulate a compelling vision for how we'll better educate children. We're well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can't begin to explain how we'll help the poor."

The announcement by Steele, chairman of the Republican political action committee GOPAC and the first African-American ever to be elected chairman of any state Republican Party when he was elected head of the Maryland GOP in 2000, comes a day after Michigan Republican Party chair Saul Anuzis officially launched his bid for the same post.

Other potential candidates for the RNC's top spot include current chair Mike Duncan, South Carolina Republican Party chair Katon Dawson, Chip Saltsman, campaign manager for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's White House bid, and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, widely reported as also in contention for the post, said in a piece on the conservative magazine Human Events on Tuesday, "A number of people have asked me to consider running for Republican National Committee Chair. They have been very flattering, and I am very honored by their support.However my job as an American first is to develop a "tri-partisan" approach to developing solutions for the challenges we face."

"I use the word 'tri-partisan' to designate the concept of attracting Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to solutions that unify most Americans," he added. Gingrich made a similar statement while on FOX's "Hannity & Colmes" earlier this week. In that interview, he also called Steele "a great talent" who "would offer the kind of vivid, strong voice that we could use."

"There are a number of other strong people who are running. The chairman of South Carolina is very effective.Good friend of mine, Saul Anuzis, the chairman from Michigan, is running. But Michael Steele certainly is going to be in the front ranks.., as one of the two or three leading contenders.," Gingrich added.