Goodbye, Mehl ... hello, Mel

Trying to rebuild after a resounding spanking in the 2006 election, the GOP will turn to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Bush Ass Kisser) to be its general chairman, replacing Kenny-boy Mehlman. This explicitly is a move towards attracting more Hispanic/Latino voters, so I guess as usual the GOP figures if you want to attract brown people, put brown people in place as figureheads:

The Republican National Committee's day-to-day operations reportedly would fall to Mike Duncan, its general counsel and a former party treasurer. The Associated Press, quoting unnamed GOP officials, said Duncan would hold the title of chairman and would split the job with Martinez.

The senator would become the new face and spokesman for the party as President Bush's term wanes without an heir apparent.

The real news is buried in the article:

Martinez's name had not been mentioned as a replacement for Mehlman. Instead, speculation had centered on Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate last week, and who expressed interest Sunday in becoming the new RNC chairman.

So, Steele's failed bid for the Senate probably is his swan song ... don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Mike.

Meanwhile, should be interesting to watch Mel in his new role. I'm sure it won't detract from his ability to serve his constituents here in Florida. Get ready, folks, it's business as usual for the Republican Bush Party.