FF's RNC Chair Whip Count

Updated: Reince Priebus has decided to jump into the RNC chairman's contest. Click here for FF's whip count and track all of the endorsements in the race.

The Republican National Committee has a unique role to play in the GOP, a role that is particularly important during presidential election cycles. In fact, it’s the only entity that can contribute help -- in money, time and policy research -- to every single level of campaigning in the country: from dog catcher to President. The RNC will also be organizing the 2012 Republican Convention, a singularly crucial time in which the Republican Party gets its message out.

FrumForum has been devoting a good deal of time to this race because the Republican National Committee and its chair in this cycle will matter a great deal. With this in mind, FF is launching the RNC Chairman whip count, which will track the endorsements of major political figures both inside and outside the RNC over the next month and a half.

We hope that you’ll refer to this page as the race goes on, and you’ll find continuous updates on the race by twitter via our reporter, @timkmak.

RNC Chair Candidates (Click for Endorsements and FF Coverage)

• Saul Anuzis*
• Nick Ayers (Not Announced)
• Maria Cino (Not Announced)
• Gentry Collins (Not Announced)
• Katon Dawson (Not Announced)
• Mike Duncan (Not Announced)
• Chris Healy (Not Announced)*
• Reince Priebus (Not Announced)*
• Michael Steele (Not Announced)
• Ann Wagner

*: Current RNC voting member
NOE: Not an official endorsement.

This is a rolling list, and may be incomplete. If we're missing an endorsement, please send a message to: tmak@frumforum.com

Saul Anuzis' Endorsements (9)

• Linda Ackerman (National Committeewoman, California)*
• Morton Blackwell (National Committeeman, Virginia)*
• Gio Cicione (State Chairman, Rhode Island)*
• Mark Fahleson (State Chairman, Nebraska)*
• Dana Randall (National Committeeman, South Dakota)*
• Tom Ross (State Chairman, Delaware)*
• Heidi Smith (National Committeewoman, Nevada)*
• Mike Stuart (State Chairman, West Virginia)*
• Dick Wadhams (State Chairman, Colorado)*

FF Coverage:

Breaking Down the Anuzis' campaign's strengths and weaknesses

Once Divided Michigan GOP Rallies Around Anuzis

* * *

Nick Ayers' Endorsements (Not Announced)

• NOE: Texas Gov. Rick Perry has "touted" Ayers as a potential RNC Chair.

* * *

Maria Cino's Endorsements (Not Announced) (1)

• NOE: Delaware NCW Priscilla Rakestraw told FF she was leaning toward supporting Cino if she ran.*
• NOE: Mary Cheney is listed as one of the organizers on the 'Maria for Chairman' committee.
• NOE: Mary Matalin said that “no one has done as much or as well as Cino has in her multiple tours of duty at the RNC and in campaigns across the country.”
• NOE: Fmr. VP Dick Cheney, Ed Gillespie and Mary Matalin are hosting a fundraiser for Cino.

FF Coverage:

Cino Close to Announcing RNC Chair Bid

Steele & Cino Won't Show at RNC Chair Debate

Cheney, Gillespie, Matalin, host a fundraiser for Cino's RNC Chair bid

* * *

Gentry Collins' Endorsements (Not Announced)

• NOE: IA NCM Steve Scheffler told IowaPolitics.com that he's "real open to" Collins' bid.*
• NOE: Former Iowa GOP chairman Brian Kennedy filed the papers for 'Collins for Chairman'.

FF Coverage:

Gentry Collins' resignation letter;

* * *

Katon Dawson's Endorsements (Not Announced)

* * *

Mike Duncan's Endorsements (Not Announced)

* * *

Chris Healy's Endorsements (Not Announced)

FF Coverage:

CT GOP Chair Healy Looks to Enter RNC Chair Race

* * *

Reince Priebus' Endorsements (4)

• NOE: WI NCW Mary Buestrin reportedly filed papers for 'Reince for RNC Chair'.*
• NOE: GA NCM Alec Poitevint is backing Priebus, reports Politico.*
• NOE: IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady told FrumForum: “If he runs, I will fully support Reince.”*
• NOE: MS NCM Henry Barbour has reportedly approached Priebus about running for RNC Chair.*

FF Coverage:

Steele Ally Pat Brady Switches Support to Priebus

* * *

Michael Steele's Endorsements (Not Announced)

• NOE: MI NCW Holly Hughes told FrumForum she would be backing Steele. "I don’t think it’s time to back another horse,” she said.*
• NOE: Idaho GOP Chairman Norm Semanko endorsed Steele in a letter to RNC colleagues, November 20.*

FF Coverage:

RNC Source: Steele Might Not Run for Reelection

Steele Retains Grip on RNC Leadership

Why Toppling Steele is Harder Than It Looks

Steele & Cino Won't Show at RNC Chair Debate

* * *

Ann Wagner's Endorsements (1)

• NOE: Wagner told FrumForum that Tennessee NCM John Ryder was among the first to urge her to run.*
• NOE: Republican consultant John Hancock reportedly filed papers for 'Ann Wagner for RNC'.

FF Coverage:

Wagner Takes on Steele for RNC Chair