The first part of his speech was expected: Ken Blackwell, the former Ohio secretary of state mired in fourth place in his bid to be the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, withdrew his name from consideration.

"We must be a party that makes good the promise of Lincoln. We must unleash a new birth of freedom."

The second part was not expected. Blackwell endorsed the candidacy of Michael Steele.

Fifth ballot coming up. If all 15 Blackwell votes go to Steele, the former Maryland lieutenant governor will have 75 votes, 10 short of victory. Then everyone will be watching what happens with the 31 votes of Saul Anuzis, the Michigan GOP chair, if it is perceived that the race has come down to a two-way contest between Steele and South Carolina Republican Chair Katon Dawson.

This is probably the second-best day of my life.

3:11 - January 30, 2009

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