Ann Wagner responds to Michael Steele’s announcement in an e-mail to supporters:
“I welcome Michael Steele to the race. But this is not about Michael Steele – it is about a fully funded, fully functional RNC and winning in 2012.
“I am urging the committee to immediately freeze any new spending, new contracts, new appointments and new hiring until a new chair is elected. If elected, my first actions will include an ambitious fundraising plan to retire the RNC’s massive debt and a full audit of the RNC’s financial operations and contracts.
“It is time to turn the page. We need a new direction and new leadership at the Republican National Committee. I believe my experience offers the full package of fundraising success, management skills, grassroots organizing, communications and a proven record of winning elections.”