(The Grio) — theGrio: Michael, I have know you a long time so I was a bit surprised at earlier new reports that you would not run again for chairman. I see that in fact you are going to seek a 2nd term. What made you decide to run against what may see as very challenging odds for you?
Michael Steele: I have to admit I was somewhat amused by news reports that suggested I was not going to run. No-one asked me. You know, in Washington there is always chatter around these type of political situations. But I was the decision maker here, and I made the decision after much consideration and counsel with my team. To say I was going to step aside was speculation on the part of those who want this job. I am running again because we have a great team here at the RNC that has worked very hard and done a great job over the past two years taking us from a minority party to now the majority party in the House of Representatives, but the most important reason I am going to run again is because I believe passionately in the opportunities that lay ahead of us as a country. I believe the Republican party has something to offer the American people. We have an opportunity to be a part of their lives in a way that is impactful and positive. The fight ahead is about the direction of this country. Will we be a nation that replaces ingenuity with government programs and bureaucracy or will we free the American people to thrive and build a better future for their families.
