Haines will vote for Anuzis for RNC Chairman; Norcross undecided

Republican National Commiteewoman Virginia Haines plans to vote for Saul Anuzis, The Michigan State Republican Chairman, to lead the Republican National Committee.

“I just think he’s someone who has always been on top of the issues, he’s always kept the committee people abreast – I’m not saying that the present chairman didn’t, don't get me wrong,” said Haines. “

Haines joins New Jersey Republican Chairman Tom Wilson in supporting Anuzis for the post – giving two of New Jersey’s three votes to him. Republican National Committeeman David Norcross, however, said that it’s “very premature” to decide who he wants to lead the party.

“I’m not sure the field is complete, and at least in my mind, none of the candidates stand out at this point,” said Norcross.

For instance, it’s still unclear whether current chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky will seek reelection. Other candidates include former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who would be the committee’s first black chairman, and South Caroline Republican State Chairman Katon Dawson.

Dawson has come under fire for his former membership in a whites-only country club.

“I think he has to explain that. It could be a death blow, but I know that they have an African-American national committeeman and on Katon’s watch they elected a black Republican legislator,” said Norcross. “The story doesn’t fit Katon in my mind, but clearly it’s something that he’s got to explain.”