Race for RNC Chair - Incumbent Mike Duncan Runs Again

The race for chairmanship of the Republican National Committee (RNC) just got more crowded. Current chairman, Mike Duncan, announced he is seeking another two-year term.

In an e-mail to RNC members, Duncan said, this morning, he was optimistic about the future of the GOP. He added he was "proud of RNC accomplishments in fund raising, technology and grassroots in the past two years."

In the first series of post-election tests, Republicans swept three straight special elections. This includes the Georgia U.S. Senate seat and Louisiana's 2nd and 4th congressional districts. Current indications for the re-election of Norm Coleman to the U.S. Senate in Minnesota remain positive.

However, during Duncan's tenure at the RNC, Republicans lost the White House, 7 U.S. Senate seats, and 20 Congressional districts at the federal level. In the last two elections, the GOP has lost 50 congressional seats.

The RNC chairman election will be held Jan 28-31, in Washington, D.C. during its RNC winter meeting.

Previously announced candidates include Saul Anuzis, Michigan GOP chairman and former CEO of a tech start-up; Katon Dawson, South Carolina state GOP chairman and former auto salesman; Chip Saltsman, campaign manager for Mike Huckabee and former Tennessee GOP chairman; and Michael Steele, chairman of GOPAC, former Lt. Governor of Maryland.