AP:
A significant bloc of Republican National Committee members wants embattled chairman Michael Steele to step aside, but the rank and file have failed to settle on a clear alternative, according to Associated Press interviews with committee members.
More than four dozen interviews with members of the 168-member central committee found fear that a badly damaged Steele could emerge from the wreckage of a knockdown, drag-out fight to head the party as it challenges President Barack Obama in 2012. While most agree that Steele's time has been rough — and costly — the members also recognize that a leadership fight could overshadow gains that Republicans made in the midterm elections.
The numbers? Of 51 members AP spoke with, 39 said they hoped he would step aside -- just shy of 80%. Not to defend Steele -- and I know he's been a fiscal train wreck -- it's pretty telling that after having a fairly successful mid-term election, the first item on the RNC's list is firing their chairman.