RNC elects first black national party chairman

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican National Committee has elected former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele the first black Republican National Committee chairman.
   
Steele was the most moderate candidate in the field and was considered an outsider because he’s not an RNC member.
   
He beat back four challengers, including incumbent Mike Duncan, who was forced to withdraw from the field midway through the balloting in the face of a lack of support.