Michael Steele Becomes First African-American Republican Chairman

January 30, 2009 5:46 p.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - Beating out opponent South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson 91 to 77, Michael Steele, the first African American elected to statewide office in Maryland, has won election as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

A former lieutenant governor in Maryland, Steele will replace Mike Duncan, who dropped out of the balloting earlier today. Michigan GOP chairman Saul Anuzis also dropped out of contention for the Republican National Committee chairman because of the rationale, "Can't win. I know how to count."

The race was headed into a sixth ballot with 85 votes needed to win. On the fifth ballot, Steele led Dawson, 79 to 69. Anuzis was third with 20 and dropped out without endorsing either of the remaining candidates.

After losing the White House and congressional seats around the country, the RNC Chairman will be charged with reviving the slumping Republican party. Also a factor in Steele's victory is the fact that he is an African American, a sign that shows the GOP is ready to change and open it's doors to be more inclusive of minorities.