Chip Saltsman launches bid to head RNC

Former Tennessee Republican Party chairman Chip Saltsman is the latest candidate to jump into the race to head the national party, announcing his bid Monday in Nashville.

Saltsman, who ran the state party during the 2000 elections when President Bush beat Al Gore in Gore’s home state, made the announcement alongside former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.

{mosads}Earlier this year, Saltsman guided former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s campaign to a surprising win in the Iowa caucuses.

“I believe we are at a place where my experience at the local and national party level, as well as understanding of the technological opportunities for communicating our parties [sic] message, has prepared and energized my vision for the Republican Party,” Saltsman said in a statement posted on his website.

“As the time draws near for selecting a new leader for the Party, I trust those who hold the responsibility for designating this role will carefully consider all the candidates, along with their strengths and ability to guide the Party through the challenges ahead.”

Saltsman joins Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis, South Carolina GOP chief Katon Dawson, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, all of whom have announced they will run for the top job. Current RNC chairman Robert “Mike” Duncan and others are contemplating their own bids.