Steele to Close Out House Republican Retreat
HOT SPRINGS, Va. — Newly elected Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will address House Republicans on the final day of their retreat Saturday afternoon, according to a spokesman for the GOP Conference. Steele, former Maryland lieutenant governor, became the RNCs first black chairman on Friday after receiving 91 votes — six more than is necessary to clinch victory — in the fifth round of balloting. Mike Duncan, the incumbent RNC chairman, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson also ran for the post. Steeles visit will cap off the House Republicans three-day retreat at the historic Homestead resort. The getaway has featured speakers such as former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), 2008 presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.