Wagner's RNC Bid Gains Steam

Today, former Steele appointee, Tenn. committeeman John Ryder announced his support for former RNC co-chair Ann Wagner's rival RNC chair bid.

Tennessee National Committeeman John Ryder has announced today his support for former RNC co-chair Ann Wagner, who is running to replace Chairman Michael Steele. This is especially notable because Steele trusted Ryder enough to appoint him as chairman of the RNC Redistricting Committee back in 2009.

While Ryder doesn't criticize Steele directly, he said that the RNC has not been focused enough on electing Republicans to office. "We have had too much drama, too many distractions," he writes in his letter endorsing Wagner, clearly referring to Steele's controversial term.

"Ann is the complete package.  She can raise the money, run the building, and present a good image for our Party. I support Ann Wagner for Chairman of the RNC and hope you will join me," Ryder concludes.

Ryder's endorsement was predicted by FrumForum's interview with Ann Wager in November, in which we wrote:

Watch for Tennessee National Committeeman John Ryder to be a crucial ally in her campaign. “John Ryder from Tennessee…was one of the first key folks to contact me and talk to me about considering going forward with a look at the chairmanship,” Wagner told FrumForum.

The letter comes as the RNC waits to hear about whether or not Steele will run again - a decision that some expect Steele to make clear on a conference call with all 168 members.

See Ryder's full letter below:

Dear fellow committee member: 

One of my favorite sayings from Steven Covey is: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”  For the RNC, the main thing is electing Republicans to office.

Unfortunately, over the past two years, that has not always been the focus of the Committee.  We have had too much drama, too many distractions.  

The time has come to refocus on the “main thing.”

Like you, I know all the candidates for chairman, to one degree or another. All are fine Republicans and all have served our party.  Between our prior knowledge of the people and our conversations with them during the campaign, we have an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.

Based on that knowledge, I believe that Ann Wagner has the array of talents and skills that best fit the needs of the Committee at this time.

I had the pleasure of serving on the national committee with Ann Wagner from 1999 to 2004.  I worked with her as a member, as Co-Chairman of the National Committee and on various projects.  I know that Ann is a dedicated volunteer, an able leader, and a solid conservative. 

Having served both as a party official and campaign official, she has been a “customer” of the RNC; she knows what we need to be able to deliver to the states and to campaigns in order to elect Republicans to office.

Having been an RNC officer, she knows what can be done at the RNC and how to run a tight ship.  Managing our resources is critical to restoring our credibility with donors and with the public. 

As a campaign chairman and state chairman, she has demonstrated her ability to raise money.  

In short, Ann is the complete package.  She can raise the money, run the building, and present a good image for our Party. 

I support Ann Wagner for Chairman of the RNC and hope you will join me. 

John L. Ryder

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