SC's Dawson Eyes RNC Post

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- On the same day that reports confirmed Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) will step down as RNC chair following the GOP's selection of a WH nom next year, SC GOP Chair Katon Dawson confirmed he's eyeing the post.

SC GOP operatives started speculating on his nat'l ambitions after he flew to NH in 8/07 to announce the state's 1/19 primary. Asked in his Columbia-based auto parts store if he hopes to be RNC chair, he said, "Sure. I'm well-suited for that job."

He explained that if a Dem takes over the WH in 1/09, it will be high time for the party to "start turning things around 180 degrees." He indicated that '08 is too soon for GOPers to take back the House and Senate, but he expects a big operation to get under way thereafter for '10. "We'll have to raise massive amounts of money," he said.

Dawson explained that he's well-positioned to do that as the fifth-highest ranking GOP state chair in the country. He said he had only expected to helm SC's operation for about two years, but he's now in his sixth year on the job [ERIN McPIKE].