first black RNC chairman

Michael Steele becomes first black RNC chairman

WASHINGTON – Michael Steele was elected Republican National Committee chairman on Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to lead the GOP.

The former Maryland lieutenant governor takes over a beleaguered GOP as Republicans seek to rebound from back-to-back defeats in national elections that gave Democrats control of Congress and the White House.

"As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome," said Steele, the most moderate candidate in the field and considered an outsider because he's not a committee member.

In a brief acceptance speech, the new GOP chairman struck a tone of inclusiveness.

"We're going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us, we want you to with be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over," Steele said.

He won 91 votes out of a possible 168 in the sixth round. A simple majority of 85 was needed, but it took six rounds for Steele to win.

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Isn't it funny how they come to this historic moment just a couple months after Obama was elected? There couldn't be any connection, could there?

And i love his quote "for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over"! Is he talking to his own party, because they are the obstructionists these days!

More from Think Progress:

African-American Michael Steele Takes Over Fractured GOP: Will He Join In As A Limbaugh Foot Soldier?

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