Gingrich, SC Party Chair In Contention For Republican Party's Top Spot

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The scramble for the top spot in the Republican National Committee (RNC) has begun, amid disappointing nationwide losses for the GOP this cycle. Party chair Katon Dawson in South Carolina, where Republicans were retained all Congressional seats, is reportedly one of the top contenders for the post.

Dawson, the third longest-serving state Republican chair, has repeatedly expressed interest in taking over as head of the RNC from current chair Mike Duncan. He sent an eight-page survey to all 168 members of the RNC last Wednesday asking them how the party can improve its operations, according to Real Clear Politics.

He told The State over the weekend that he has not yet made up his mind on whether to run for the post but that he is being encouraged and that he is still studying ""what it will take to get the job done."

Apart from him and Duncan, other names being floated for the RNC's top post is former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose legal counsel and close friend told the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Monday, "If a majority of the RNC thought he was needed, he would accept that appointment. He fully appreciates the urgency of the moment."

Members of the RNC are scheduled to meet in January to vote for a new RNC chairman.

Other Republican leadership posts have been vacated. Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) announced late last week that he will step down as the GOP's no. 2 in the House. The six-term congressman has been the minority whip since 2002. His decision follows the announcement of Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) that he would leave as House Republican Conference chairman. House Minority leader John Boehner (R-OH) has endorsed the candidacy ofRep. Mike Pence (R-IN), who was chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), for the post.