First ballot results - Duncan 52, Steele 46, Dawson 28, Anuzis 22, Blackwell 20 (heads up - the link is to NRO). 85 votes are needed to win.
Seems like the general wisdom is that if Duncan was going to win, he'd be a lot closer to the magic number on the first vote. Blackwell who is arguably the most conservative of the nominees, appears to be gone.
This is looking pretty good for Michael Steele.
Now Blackwell drops out and endorses Steele. Too early to see whether that will be enough for Steele or whether Blackwell's votes wander.
Dear merciful and benevolent God - please, please, please let Duncan win again. Nothing would be sweeter than to have the architect of the GOP congressional failures in 2006 and 2008 maintain his stewardship.
BTW - Saltsman, he of the Magic Negro recording fame, dropped out of the running when it was clear he would not be nominated.
I will update the results as warranted.
UPDATE: Second round results: Duncan 48, Steele 48, Dawson 29, Anuzis 24, Blackwell 19
This could go on forever.
2nd Update:Too funny, NRO reports:
Another reporter notes that the RNC has to be out of the ballroom by 5 p.m. because a wedding is slated to use the room starting at 5:30. Besides the RNC Chair, the RNC has to elect several other positions, including co-chair, secretary, and treasurer.
I have an idea - lets have the wedding party vote too.
3rd Update: Michael Steele 51, Mike Duncan 44, Katon Dawson 34, Saul Anuzis 24, Ken Blackwell 15
Duncan is fading somewhat. If i had to guess, I think this is coming to a showdown between Steele and Dawson, with the moderates supporting Steele and the knuckle draggers supporting Dawson. It is unknown who the wedding party will support.
4th Update: Duncan withdrawals. Question is can Steele get his votes. Still waiting on the 4th ballot.
5th Update: 4th ballot results - Katon Dawson 62, Michael Steele 60, Saul Anuzis 31, Ken Blackwell 15
It is 3 o'clock east coast time and it still looks pretty much dead locked. 2 hours until wedding guests start filing into the Capitol Ballroom to kick the GOP out. I don't really care who wins the Chair, all I want to see is a showdown between the GOP and the Wedding Planner/bride's father.