Republican party insiders say that operatives close to Sen. John McCain's campaign are pushing Alec Poitevint, the former state party chairman of Georgia and a member of the Republican National Committee, to run for the RNC chairman's position.
The race, which begins right after November's presidential election, will be the first in what will probably a years-long War of the Roses-type conflict to define the party's philosophy and political approach.
Poitevint, who could not be reached for comment, was among the first GOP bigwigs in the South to endorse McCain. He did so in early 2007 and was one of 11 RNC members -- "McCain's 11" -- to endorse the candidate before he won the nomination. McCain supporter and former Michigan national committee member Chuck Yob is also said to be weighing a bid.
Other potential candidates include Katon Dawson, the chairman of the South Carolina GOP, and Jim Greer, the chairman of the Florida Republican Party. Dawson has a well-funded, well-organized team in place for the run; Greer, aligned with moderate GOP Gov. Charlie Crist, would run as a centrist.
Chip Saltzman, who chaired Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, has sent out feelers to Christian Right activists. He's a former chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
Current RNC chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky hasn't indicated whether he'll run for re-election. His tenure hasn't been marked by flashiness, and he does not have the strategic mind of a Ken Mehlman or the political dexterity of an Ed Gillespie, he has not alienated any of the party's major constituencies and has proved himself a good fundraiser.
GOP strategists believe it's essential for Republicans outside the South to break that region's hammerlock on the party, both culturally and tactically, so they assume that a decidedly non-Southern choice -- perhaps Michigan's Saul Anuzis, if he can hold enough seats -- or someone else -- will emerge.
Former candidates Huckabee and Mitt Romney have publicly and privately disclaimed interest in running. Some activists want Sarah Palin -- assuming she doesn't become vice president -- to run.
| 
