Washington - Over the years, Michael Steele has gained a large following in Republican circles, even though he has never won a major office on his own. That rather unfortunate distinction, however, could be about to change.
Some handicappers are writing him off, but the former lieutenant governor of Maryland looks like a strong contender to become the next Republican national chairman. If he wins the job in this week's election, he'll instantly become a leading spokesman for a party that has no place to go but up.
Steele has been telling fellow members of his devastated party, through a posting on his sophisticated campaign Web site: "I think I may have some keys to open the door, some juice to turn on the lights."
He'll only get to flip the switch, though, if he can out-compete five other men for the position, which pays about $200,000 a year.
Steele's biggest assets are his upbeat personality, positive speaking style and reputation as a conservative media celebrity. Making him the party's first black chairman might help improve the battered Republican image, not only with minority voters but also among white suburban moderates.
"Race in my opinion should not be a consideration for the election," said Jim Greer, the Florida Republican chairman and a Steele supporter. "But if the nation can celebrate the first African-American president, it would seem to me that it would be good for the Republican Party to have the opportunity to celebrate our first African-American chairman."
Steele isn't the only black candidate in the race. Encouraged by a number of leading conservative activists, most of whom regard Steele as dangerously moderate, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is also running.
It's no ordinary contest.
For two months, the candidates have conducted extensive campaigns. They've reached out online, by telephone, in person, and through media interviews - mainly with conservative outlets and bloggers. They've flown to every corner of the country - Steele made it to the Dakotas on a coast-to-coast tour - for the sole purpose of privately wooing the three people from each state who, as members of the Republican National Committee, will gather in Washington to pick their new chairman.
It's also an expensive campaign. An adviser to one of the candidates said the winner will likely have spent well into six figures.
But the spoils are substantial.
