Michael Steele is not loved by Republicans.

Michael Steele, the elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee as of earlier this year, does not have great approval numbers from within his party. The former Lt.Governor and Republican candidate for Senator in Maryland, Steele is the first black Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and after being elected to that position, faced vicious & ugly attacks from the left.

Steele has had some bright spots while Chairman, however, he has made a lot of troubling moves during his tenure. As Steele has made some confusing remarks on abortion, believes that "potato salad" will help diversify the Republican party, did not defend Congressman Roy Blunt from a vile attack by a Conservative talk show host, and for his all around not-Conservative enough stances on the issues. Steele has made good comments in regards to Obama winning the Nobel peace Prize, "What has President Obama actually accomplished? It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights", however, the list of good moves is short.

In all fairness, Chairman Steele cannot be 100% evaluated to the 2010 elections are completed, as his leadership during those vital elections will shape whether or not he is elected to a second term as Chairman, and what Republicans really think of him, including myself.

According to a Rasmussen Reports poll on what Republicans think about Chairman Steele, the results are good, but not great.

38% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of Steele.
27% of Republicans have a unfavorable opinion of Steele.
35% of Republicans are unsure.

While a 38% favorable opinion is good, the fact 27% of the party does not approve of you, and 35% of the party is unsure, raises questions as to the performance of the Chairman, when he cannot even reach the 40% favorable barrier.

I personally believe South Carolina's Republican Chairman, Katon Dawson, should have been elected Chairman of the RNC, because he is a Conservative Republican who will stand up for the key values of the Republican party, and he knows how to bring all Republicans to the table (regardless of race), and it is with the issues, not potato salad.

-- Tim K.