Steele wants red states

RALEIGH — Supporters of the Republican Party crowded around a big red bus Thursday afternoon with one clear message — “Fire Pelosi.”

As a part of his nationwide campaign to establish a Republican majority in Congress, Michael Steele, former lieutenant governor of Maryland and current chairman of the Republican National Committee, urged the party’s supporters to turn North Carolina red.

“This is your mission: you leave here ready to organize and win,” Steele said. “All the change you talk about won’t happen if you don’t win.”

Steele said the upcoming elections are a long-awaited opportunity for Republicans to take control of the senate in the N.C. General Assembly. The last time the party held a majority was 1898.

“There’s a big mood change. This state has always been conservative, but they fell for the hope and change that we didn’t get,” said Doug Clark, military advisor for Bill Randall, a Republican running for N.C.’s 13th district seat.

“This race is not just about Republicans. It’s about unaffiliated voters, and it’s about Democrats who know we’re heading in the wrong direction,” he said.

Republicans are hoping to gain up to 10 seats in the U.S. Senate this year, a result of growing discontent with President Barack Obama’s administration and the stagnant economy.

They also need 39 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for a takeover.

But Tea Party candidates — more conservative than their established party counterparts — are unexpectedly winning some state primaries. Republican party members worry they will jeopardize victories in those states’ general elections.

But Steele said he is focused on unity instead of division.

“I’m so sick and tired of Republicans kicking each other in the shin,” he said. “Kick a Democrat, please!”

The Tea Party represents the frustration of many Republicans, Steele said, but the goal of both groups is the same — victory in November.

“We stay focused on winning. Don’t let the noise distract you,” he said.

Steele is taking his “Fire Pelosi” tour to more than 115 cities across America. The tour’s name refers to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will lose her job if Democrats lose control of the House.

“I’m fired up to fire Pelosi!” Steele said, as protesters held signs outside the speech.

Other Republican candidates — Ashley Woolard, who is running for the first district seat, Greg Dority, running for the 12th district and B.J. Lawson, who is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. David Price in the 4th district — also attended the rally.

Each of them criticized the current administration’s handling of the budget deficit and stimulus efforts.

Andrew Whalen, executive director of the N.C. Democratic Party, said it was hypocritical of Steele to bash Democrats’ economic policies.

“It was Bush who drove our economy into the ditch. Now Democrats are cleaning it up,” he said. “And we’re not done yet.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.