Michael Steele

The RNC chair now has a leash around him, but it will not likely be enough to assuage some deep concerns about his performance and doubts about his future in the position.

Specter Leaves GOP

Arlen Specter joins the Dems, and two Republicans blame the right wing:

Two leading Republicans say Sen. Arlen Specter's decision to become a Democrat highlights the hostility moderates feel from an increasingly conservative GOP.

“You haven't certainly heard warm encouraging words about how [the GOP] views moderates,” said Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, one of the few remaining moderate Republicans in the Senate.

Snowe said the party's message has been, “Either you're with us or you’re against us.”

Her frustration was shared by Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), who slammed right-wing interest groups for pushing moderates out of the party.