By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

May 18, 2009 – Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele will mark his 100th day on the job this week. Since taking over as head honcho, pitchman and fundraiser, he has faced a series of challenges from his partymates. How has this affected his ability to raise money and attract new faces to the fold?

When Steele was elected he wasted no time sending a message to President Barack Obama that he would “torpedo” the public perception that Republicans are a party “unconcerned about minorities” and  average Americans.  “This is the dawn of a new party. There is not one inch of ground we’re going to cede to anybody,” he challenged.

But before Steele could make good on his early agenda, he’s had to ward off attacks from conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, edit his personal opinions in the public eye, and as recently as this weekend, fend off an attempt by Randy Pullen, the newly-elected party treasurer to take over control of the party’s purse strings.

On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Steele was asked about the ribbing he took from the president during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.  Obama made a veiled reference to Steele’s hipper outreach efforts with hopes of attracting African-American voters to the GOP.  

Obama jokingly said, “Michael Steele is in the house tonight, or as he would say, ‘in the heezy.’ What’s up?”

“Michael, for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset, I’m sorry.”

Steele said on the Sunday talk show that he wasn’t insulted at all by the president’s jabs. “I really appreciate the president throwing me a shout-out.  It took me totally by surprise, and so this morning I just wanna say ‘what’s up’ right back at ya’.”

That response is far more gracious than the message he sent the president shortly after winning the chairmanship.  Still smarting over Obama’s somewhat dismissive treatment of his run for the Senate in 2006, he told reporters, “I would say to the new president, congratulations. It is going to be an honor to spar with him. And I would follow that up with: How do you like me now?”

Steele has signed up for one of the toughest jobs in Washington during the toughest times: his party is the minority in Congress, is no longer in the White House, and is a minority party among American voters. Only 21 percent of folks self-identify as Republicans. 

Faced with party unity only within the conservation base that requires a litmus test on issues of abortion rights, stem cell research and opposition to gay marriage, Steele has immeasurable obstacles before him.

As the first African-American chairman he may have wanted to expand the Republican party’s tent to bring diversity, but it looks like that may be more difficult than he expected.

What grade would you give Michael Steele as chairman of GOP?  

TAGS: Michael Steele, President Obama, Raney Pullen, Rush Limbaugh

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