Healy Out of RNC Race
Connecticut GOP Chairman Chris Healy announced Wednesday that he will not run for RNC chair and threw his support behind Gentry Collins’ bid.
Connecticut Republican Chairman Chris Healy, who had been reportedly looking at entering the RNC Chairman's race, has decided not to run and will instead throw his support behind former RNC political director Gentry Collins.
"I think we're at a critical stage in the health and vitality of our party, and we have many tough tasks ahead to get ahead to beat Barack Obama...talking to other members, they're looking for change... I thought Gentry was our best choice to pull our operation together," Healy told FrumForum this morning. "[Steele] was an exceptionally poor manager of resources and an exceptionally poor fundraiser... there's a sense of weariness. We don't need a chairman that is so public, and out there."
In a letter to Connecticut Republican State Committee members obtained by FrumForum, Healy says that he will not enter the RNC race:
Many of you have read that my name has been thrown into the mix for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. This has generated some talk amongst both Connecticut and national GOP operatives, both humorous and serious. I have been flattered that people think that highly of my ability, but I am not running for Chairman of the RNC.
Healy had previously told FrumForum that he was hoping to announce a bid by the end of next week, but he was not present at the RNC candidates forum hosted by FreedomWorks and the RNC's conservative caucus last Wednesday.
Healy's decision not to run comes with an endorsement for Gentry Collins, and a call for change.
"There are however, many good candidates running to right the ship at our Party’s flagship office in Washington," writes Healy in his letter. "Michael Steele may be one of them, but I do think it is time for change in leadership... The RNC Chairman's Election is January 14th and I will be supporting Gentry Collins for that position. Many of the gains and successes we did enjoy were due to the effort he made to ensure we were able to utilize some RNC resources. CTGOP has Gentry Collins and his political shop to thank for the support we received this year. I believe Gentry is a leader who possesses the skills and vision needed to get our Party prepared for 2012."
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