Republicans Want a House Boy, Not a Chairman

Republicans John Kyl, Mitch McConnell and Lamar Alexander told their chairman today to essentially "back off" from speaking to the public without consulting THEM first. From the Politico article:

"The plea was made during what was supposed to be a routine discussion about polling matters and other priorities in House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office. But the session devolved into a heated discussion about the roles of congressional leadership and Steele, according to multiple people familiar with the meeting."

Not only was he taken to the wood shed, but they wanted to make sure that he knew what his role was:

"The congressional leaders were particularly miffed that Steele had in late August unveiled a seniors’ “health care bill of rights” without consulting with them. The statement of health care principles, outlined in a Washington Post op-ed, began with a robust defense of Medicare that puzzled some in a party not known for its attachment to entitlements.

Elected Republicans urged Steele to focus on the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia and other political matters, such as fundraising, rather than on attempting to establish party policy."

Of course Michael Steele was a bit surprised to say the least to be talked to like this, but damn Mike, what did you expect? Lamar Alexander doesn't even want you "crafting policy". In other words, don't open your damn mouth, don't even think about speaking to the media...in fact, don't even think. If you simply MUST think, get permission first and make sure you get Palin-like handlers around you in case you happen to go rogue in the whole thought process. That's your party for you, Mike.

“He’s on a short leash here,” said one top House GOP leadership aide

Interesting choice of words there. I say that tongue-in-cheek of course, but it does make you wonder. Face it Mike, you are nothing more than a token to them. Still think you got the job on your own merits?

Republicans have to realize that shit like this is just going to happen with the man they put forth as the chairman, their official spokesperson. Just as the Dems have to claim Howard Dean when he goes on one of his ozone expeditions in front of the microphone.

I am the Complaint Department Manager and I got permission to provide this message(Damn leash, it's fucking choking me).