Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, generally held in high-regard for his minority outreach and fundraising by both regional and national politicos, emailed fellow RNC committee members a coy plea for support, but suggested they first “listen to the views of the current candidates” before making any brash decisions, like, say, jumping into an already wide field of candidates for the top Republican post.

It stands to reason that Greer, a Charlie Christ-like Republican, would model the national organization after that of his marginally-unsuccessful state party, focusing on creating a more moderate, tech-centric, and minority-friendly image for the G.O.P.

Greer writes:

Dear Fellow RNC Member:

First let me wish you and your family a Happy New Year, and I hope you are enjoying the holidays and taking some well-deserved rest.

As the election for RNC Chairman approaches, I want to commend each of you for your service to the Republican Party. I also want to thank those of you who have called and sent notes of encouragement regarding my potential candidacy for RNC Chair.

In deciding whether to seek the Chairmanship, I am considering many factors, including my commitment to the Republican Party of Florida. I am dedicated to working with the many staff, county leaders, and volunteers who are working to build upon the many victories we have accomplished in the Sunshine State. I am also focused on fostering an open discussion on the future of the Republican Party.

While I continue to consider these factors, I will not make a decision whether to seek the Chairmanship or support a candidate until we have all had the chance to listen to the views of the current candidates at the upcoming Americans for Tax Reform debate and hear their beliefs on the direction our Party should take. (my emphasis)

The Republican Party faces a tremendous opportunity in the coming days.

We cannot let this opportunity slip through our fingers. To be successful, we must remain committed to our Party’s values and principles, while focusing on the issues discussed at family dinner tables across the nation.

Friends, let us remember that every one of the candidates who seek the RNC Chairmanship are remarkable Republican leaders who have served our Party with distinction.

I look forward to seeing each of you soon and discussing the future of our great Party.

Warmest Regards,

Jim Greer

As we approached Election Day, it became increasingly clear, win or lose, that Republicans must revisit their image, but Greer, who remains skeptical of the 6 announced candidates’ “return to the basics” rhetoric, promises to build the Party of Crist, not revitalize the Party of Reagan – a critical distinction the committee members will have to take into consideration. If Greer does announce, and is in turn trounced by the “status quo” candidates, his loss will likely put the “move center vs. move right” argument to bed.

Greer, who has been invited to ATR’s candidate forum but not yet confirmed his attendance, recently made headlines when he criticized Chip Saltsman’s racially-charged Christmas gift of choice for RNC members, Paul Shanklin’s satirical CD “We Hate the USA.” “As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,” wrote Greer. Adding, “In Florida we have worked hard to reach out to ALL citizens to promote the Republican Party’s principles and values while ensuring that our commitment to African-Americans, Hispanics, and other minority communities is sincere and credible.”

Despite his tepidness, Greer is working hard to position himself as the “21^st Century” Republican in the race, calling upon the mantle of political moderation. And while I certainly applaud and agree with Greer’s position on “CD gate”, he is, at best, a third tier candidate in this race – not for his policy positions or even his political track-record and résumé, but rather his lack of public support. If he’s going to announce his candidacy after the Norquist’s ATR debate, schedule for Monday, January 5, he and his inner-circle already know it. In fact, I’d be willing to bet he’s already been manning the phones with friendly, uncommitted committee members in recent days. Had Greer truly wanted to “hear [the candidates’] beliefs,” he would have offered them more than one opportunity to do so. The fact that he didn’t ask fellow committee members to wait until the RNC special session on January 7^th seems to suggest he’s clearly left the opportunity open.

Given the race’s relative fluidity, anything can happen, but will Greer’s political jockeying for Chairman all be for naught? I welcome your thoughts on the matter.