Steele: Nov. 'Expiration Date' for Dems Rule

Published May 15, 2010 at 8:44 a.m.

ATLANTA (AP) November's elections will mark the ``expiration date'' for the Democratic majority in Washington, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele predicted at a gathering of Georgia Republicans on Friday night.

``What they're doing in Washington is all bad,'' Steele told the Georgia Republican Party's 2010 Republican ``round up,'' a grassroots training session for GOP activists and candidates.

Steele said he wants to put his ``footprint on the neck'' of Democrats.

``I like that image,'' he said with a smile to laughs from the crowd.

Steele said Republicans were poised for a new renaissance as they battle back from big losses in 2008 when Democrat Barack Obama claimed the White House.

``I want you to take a moment and think about a year ago. What were you feeling? That little thing in the pit of your stomach. Remember that?''

``People are asking 'how do we take our country back?''' Steele said.

``Well, I'll tell you how we take our country back, fire Nancy Pelosi. Pink slip. Don't let the door hit you on the backside.''

The Georgia Republican ``round up'' is designed to energize and train GOP faithful heading into a busy election season with the governor and other high-profile offices up for grabs.

Steele urged the party not to get caught up infighting, recriminations and name calling that often characterizes tough political years.

``You have an incredibly good opportunity, don't waste it on stupidity,'' he said.

He said the stakes are high this year with winners in states like Georgia able to control redistricting, the redrawing of district boundaries that can impact party power.

Steele made no mention of the recent turmoil that has marred his tenure at the helm of the RNC. The chairman has faced questions about extravagant spending at the RNC under his watch, including a $2,000 tab for an event a sex-themed nightclub in West Hollywood earlier this year.

Steele did not attend the outing at the Voyeur nightclub, which featured topless women simulating lesbian bondage. Several top staffers were forced out after the event became public.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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