By Xinhua,
Washington : The US Republican National Committee (RNC) Friday elected Michael Steele as the first African American to lead the national organization of the party.
Steele beat Katon Dawson, the South Carolina Republican committee chairman, to claim the title in the sixth round of balloting, US TV networks reported.
He won with 91 votes, passing the threshold of the simple majority of 85 votes from the 168-member committee to secure his victory.
“As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome,” said Steele, who was born in Maryland and grew up in Washington DC.
He vowed to reunite and revive the unpopular party in his acceptance speech.
“We’re going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be part of us, we want you to be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over,” said Steele.