Steele Won’t Make Namath-like Prediction on RNC Race

by Hill Staff - 01/27/09 9:59 AM ET

Michael Steele is hoping to win the Republican National Committee chairman race, but he’s not guaranteeing it.

Asked if he will give a Joe Namath-like prediction on Friday’s outcome, Steele smiled and told The Hill, “Someone’s going to win.”

Namath guaranteed that his New York Jets would beat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. The Jets subsequently won, 16-7.

The GOPAC chairman and former lieutenant governor of Maryland expressed disappointment that other RNC chairman hopefuls are striking deals with some committee members for votes. Steele, while grabbing a coffee at a Starbucks near the White House, stressed that he is not engaged in that activity.

The Hill reported on Monday that former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and current RNC Chairman Robert “Mike” Duncan have been horsetrading for votes.

Duncan aides deny that money has been offered by Blackwell aides to directly comment on the matter.

–Bob Cusack

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