Embattled Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele has been trying to reassure party members that the GOP will be ready for the midterm elections, but he is increasingly facing calls to resign.
Rocked by scandals—including allegations that young members of the party entertained guests at the party’s expense at a strip club—the GOP leadership appears to be increasingly shaky. This was exemplified by the recent resignation of a committee member Sean Mahoney, who accused Steele of spending donor’s money with "reckless disregard."
Mahoney’s resignation followed that of RNC Chief of Staff Ken McKay.
And although Steel has tried to reassure the party and its followers that he took the responsibility seriously and would not tolerate misuse of funds, voices calling for him to vacate his job have been growing.
Among those calling for Steele to step aside was Republican strategist Alex Castellanos, who questioned the chairman’s ability to lead the party into November’s elections in a commentary on CNN.
"I think a change in the direction now, at this point, would do the party good," Castellanos said.
However, former New York Mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani was among those supporting Steele. 