Norm Coleman Floated As RNC Chairman Despite Ethics Troubles

Politico's Mike Allen, in his daily Playbook, floats an interesting albeit somewhat implausible scenario with deep ramifications for the Republican Party. If embattled RNC chairman Michael Steele fails to raise a respectable amount of funds and continues to trip all over himself with rhetorical gaffes, a certain soon-to-be-former Senator is waiting in the wings to take over the post.

"WORD ON THE STREET: The next RNC chairman will be Norm Coleman, after he loses his recount fight and big donors see Michael Steele's March numbers."

Coleman does, in fact, seem poised to be officially out of the job soon (not counting his consulting gig for the Republican Jewish Coalition). The Minnesota Republican closed his case challenging the results of the Senate recount last week, but can appeal to state or federal court. He was, until a few months ago, set to head the National Republican Senatorial Committee, but had to drop that title to focus on his own election. At a very basic level, he's regarded as a well-seasoned fundraiser with conservative bonafides.

But there is one problem: Coleman is currently under FBI investigation. Indeed, word leaked only a few months ago that the FBI was looking into allegations that the former Senator's family received $75,000 in secret payments from longtime friend and benefactor. Those payments went unreported on Coleman's financial disclosure form, leading some congressional ethicist to draw parallels to the corruption case that ultimately felled former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens.

Whether or not the RNC is willing to take Coleman in light of the ethical cloud hanging over his head would be a testament to just how poorly received Michael Steele has been. Though, to be fair, Republican operatives say Steele's job is secure, provided he raises a solid amount of money. That said, at least one Democrat is giddy about the Allen float, writing to the Huffington Post: "given all the facts is that really who the Republicans want as their champion right now."

UPDATE: The Coleman campaign is downplaying the idea that the former Senator would become RNC chairman and, in the process, affirming his support for Steele. Via the Hill:

"Senator Coleman believes that Chairman Steele is doing an exceptional job, is a strong voice and leader for the party," Coleman spokesman Tom Erickson said. "And, he looks forward to working with him to build the party when he returns to the United States Senate."

Comments

[BUTCHER111]

They’d pick Coleman? That loser? To be the head of the party? I’m sure such a plan would make members of the DNC very happy.

[SPQR1775]

These guys are so stupid, going to the Supreme Court will be great for Franken, the President was set in 2000, Franken will be named the winner if the Supremes take it and if they don't either way he wins. Coleman will make the GOP look as racist and bigoted as they already are. Yes, they will recall Steele, but it will NOT SIT WELL and even Clarence Thomas at the Supreme will GO ROUGE after it happen. THE GOP is on the end of their last hoorah and they will fall in 2009!

[mitsie]

This column seems in contrast to the other one I just read in which the GOP were telling Coleman to take the Coleman v Frankin case to the Supreme Court. Coleman shouldn't be allowed to be the RNC chair until he loses in Supreme Court.

[magginkat]

Told Ya! Every time that we think the Republican party has slithered as low in the cess pool as one can get, they prove us wrong. They can always get lower. Norm Coleman, perfect candidate for Repug leadership! Installed in the Senate via election fraud, under investigation for crimes committed....... exactly what the GOP (Gross Old Perverts) require to be a republican in a position of leadership.

Didn't Mr. Steele know that he is only the token black to make the party look all inclusive? Oh well, any person who kisses republicanass in these days and times deserves what he gets!

[AZ AF VET]

Steele is having it painted in prison gray with bars so that when Coleman takes over he can have a glimpse of his future. Why the long face Normie?

[Mustang Sally]

I say let it happen. Even though I liked and respected Steele, Normie is the poster boy for all that's bad about the GOP and should be named RNC chair. More and more people will leave the party in droves - beautiful!

THEN, let the investigations begin! There will be a new RNC chair by 2010 - while Normie wears a prison jump suit.

[NotYourAvg]

Republicans see "ethics troubles" as mere petty annoyances. Well, when any other non-Republican is having those same troubles..­......it's the end of the world calling for every possible legal probe known to man. Republicans ake me laugh...a lot! I guess that makes them one big joke, huh?

[joycehelene]

He might be a loser, but Steele is a bigger loser than Coleman, does it really matter, the Republican are all losers anyway.

[Cinnamonape]

Arthur: What do you do with witches?
VILLAGERS:
Burn! Burn! Burn! Burn them up! Burn!...
Arthur: And what do you burn apart from witches?
VILLAGERS More witches! Shh! Wood!
Arthur: So, why do witches burn?
VILLAGERS: B--... 'cause they're made of... wood?
Oh, yeah. Oh.
Arthur: So, how do we tell whether he is made of wood?
VILLAGERS: Build a bridge out of her.
BEDEVERE: Ah, but can you not also make bridges out of stone?
VILLAGERS: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. True. Uhh...
BEDEVERE: Does wood sink in water?
VILLAGER #1: No. No. VILLAGER #2: No, it floats! It floats!
VILLAGERS: Throw her into the pond! The pond! Throw him into the pond!
BEDEVERE: What also floats in water?
VILLAGERS: Bread!.. Apples!..Uh, very small rocks!..Cider!..Uh, gra-- gravy! ..Cherries­!..Mud!...
Uh, churches! Churches!...Lead! Lead!
ARTHUR: A duck!
CROWD: Oooh.
BEDEVERE: Exactly. So, logically...
VILLAGER #1: If... he... weighs... the same as a duck... she's made of wood.
BEDEVERE:And therefore?
VILLAGERS: A witch! A witch! A witch! A witch!...
VILLAGER #4: Here is a duck. Use this duck. [quack quack quack]
BEDEVERE: Very good. We shall use my largest scales.
BEDEVERE: Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?
ARTHUR: I am Arthur, King of the Britons.

[leeman79]

I agree. Coleman is a floater. Someone please flush!

[Schmice]

very funny and very much on target

[freethinkergirl]

Trouble is the more you flush the more they keep popping back up.

[magginkat]

No s c h i t t !

[writerroz]

In case all else fails and we can't stop Coleman legitimately, isn't there such a thing as the Supreme Court? But of course, who wants this fiasco to go on long enough to replace a couple ultra Conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court? But I'm just thinking ahead to future plans in case Coleman doesn't ever give up. You know, the Bush kind of thing.

[omobob]

Darn that pesky FBI thing. Always popping up just when you’re about to make a serious career change.

[doctorwang]

Alright! One more tool in the G0P leadership. It's getting to the point where they are going to have to expand their tool-shed.

[lesterbud]

Come to think of it, Norm sort of reminds me of a "floater".
You keep flushing but he just won't go away.

[ReealOne]

Excellent News!!!! That's right, put a fox who is CURRENTLY under investigation for bribery and pay-for-play, in charge of a fund raising position in the hen house...... Absolutely Brilliant!!!!

Lord, please let the GO-NOPERS/­RNC/EXTREM­E Republican­-Conservat­ive/EXTREM­E Right-wing Nutjobs Party stay the path of COMPLETE destruction they're on.. Please!!! And I I may be so bold as to humbly ask that continue to have even dumber folks head the party..... due to the fact that it will put them out of the misery of their final death throws of the GO-NOPER Party. Thank you for all the entertainment that the GO-NOPERS bring to us. Amen.

LMAO at the GO-NOPERS!

[feliznavidad]

All they have are losers.