Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele inched closer to winning the Republican National Committee’s chairmanship, winning 69 votes on the fifth ballot.
Steele skyrocketed after former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell dropped out, only to endorse his fellow African-American candidate.
South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson trailed closely, with 69 votes.
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis trailed badly at 20 votes and dropped out, but with enough support to prove a kingmaker to either Steele or Dawson. Anuzis, who just finished speaking, declined to publicly endorse.