by Susan Vavrick

The voting has begun for chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Five candidates were placed in nomination.

Gary Jones, the GOP state chair from Oklahoma, led off the speeches by nominating Ken Blackwell, the former Ohio secretary of state. He said Blackwell has stood up for conservative values, has been a strong leader and is someone who can broaden the base and "bring the base home."

Joyce Lyons Terhes, GOP national committeewoman from Maryland, nominated Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland. She called him a "dynamic new leader" with quality values, someone who doubled fundraising when he headed up the Maryland state party. Under Steele's leadership, Maryland elected its first Republican governor (Bob Ehrlich) in 40 years.

Matt Strawn, the newly elected GOP state chair from Iowa, nominated Mike Duncan, the current RNC chair. He said Duncan is ready to continue his fight on behalf of conservative values and "shared beliefs."

Glenn McCall, the GOP national committeeman from South Carolina, nominated his state party's chair, Katon Dawson. McCall said Dawson has "turned our party around with a lot of hard work." He has "inspired voters" and rebuilt the party's grass roots. "We're not like Democrats," McCall said. "We are about experience and accomplishments." Under Dawson's stewardship of the party, Republicans have elected two governors and majorities in both houses of the state Legislature (first time since Reconstruction).

Keith Butler, the GOP national committeeman from Michigan, nominated his state party's chair, Saul Anuzis. Butler called Anuzis a "consistent, outspoken and courageous conservative," the "ultimate techno-man who understands new techniques and new tactics." Anuzis is "willing to go anywhere to take our message to the people — to the barrios, to the ghettos, everywhere."

The voting is taking place by secret ballot. This could take a while. If I never see you again, if I'm destined to spend the rest of my life here, please know that I really intended to post a new ScuttleButton puzzle today. Honest.