Why the Saltsman Scandal May Help Make Ken Blackwell RNC Chair

The Chip Saltsman/RNC Chair mini-scandal may prove to be more important than I initially thought. As is often the case in these matters, the specific incident is less important than the responses.

Recently, it has appeared that (partly as a result of Katon Dawson and Chip Saltsman coming under fire over racial issues) former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackell (disclosure: I am supporting Blackwell), had emerged from the pack to become a front-runner for RNC Chair.

... Still, though, the smart money was on current RNC Chair Mike Duncan to retain his position.

But in the wake of the Saltsman scandal, Duncan was highly critical of Saltsman, while Blackwell, an African-American, issued this statement:

"Unfortunately, there is hypersensitivity in the press regarding matters of race. This is in large measure due to President-Elect Obama being the first African-American elected president. I don't think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people."

Why would Blackwell's defense of Saltsman help Blackwell and hurt Duncan?

First, it is important to note that only 168 RNC Members get to cast votes, and presumably, many of them are conservatives who will view Duncan's statement as pandering to the politically correct crowd. Some of them may have been supporting Saltsman or Dawson, after all, as well. They will object to Duncan's criticism, and possibly view it as appeasement.

Second, it demonstrates Blackwell's conservatism and leadership. It also separates him from the other black candidate, Michael Steele, who (as far as I know), has remained silent on the issue. After all, it was Blackwell -- not Michael Steele -- who was willing to defend Saltsman over the cries of racism.

Lastly, and ironically, it may prove the point that the GOP desperately needs an African-American to serve as the face of the GOP as we go head-to-head against the first African-American President in U.S. History. After all, Blackwell was able to get away with defending Saltsman whereas a white candidate may not have been able to do the same.

... Having known Blackwell a bit, I can tell you that this move was consistent with his core beliefs. He has never played the race card -- or the "reverse" race card -- even when it would have helped him -- and I do believe he views this as having been an instance of, "hypersensitivity."

Having said that, coming to Saltsman's defense will likely also prove to be a brilliant political stroke which may propel him to the head of the RNC.

Update: Today's WaPost story on this topic also includes quotes from Michael Steele and Saul Anuzis. (Essentially, Anuzis echoes Duncan, while Steele's comments were somewhere between Duncan's and Blackwell's comments...)