Michael Steel becomes RNC Head

After a long fight amongst would-be Republican leaders, former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele has been elected as the first black head of the Republican National Committee. The selection has obviously come as a response to the election of Barack Obama, but it is also a sign that the GOP is ready to try and shake the image of being a party of "white guys."

The question of the size of the GOP's tent were brought into focus back in December, when former Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman, who had hoped to become RNC chair, distributed a CD to Republican National Committee members featuring a song called "Barack the Magic Negro." Saltsman dropped out of the race last night.

"Steele's election won't help the party attract black voters immediately, but if Steele sets the right tone, he could help the party compete for them in the (way) future," said CBS News chief political consultant Marc Ambinder. "As GOP strategists have always known, and noted, somewhat dyspeptically, it's white suburban voters, particularly women, who are responsive to a diversity message. The RNC isn't diverse yet; only five black delegates were chosen to attend the national convention. Steele was disgusted by that. It prompted him to run."