Steele: "I Don't Know" If Congressional Republicans Are "Ready" To Lead Congress

Michael Steele's Vote Of No Confidence

Since he was elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, and especially since last summer, Michael Steele has been ruffling the feathers of his party's congressional leaders. 

In August, he agreed "1,000%" that the Republican leadership was "an absolute freaking joke."

Later that month, Steele sidestepped GOP leaders in congress and proposed his own health care policy, namely a "seniors' bill of rights." It caused a rift that ended up with House Minority Leader Boehner's office telling Steele not to meddle in policy issues.  POLITICO wrote:

GOP leaders, in a private meeting last month, delivered a blunt and at times heated message to RNC Chairman Michael Steele: quit meddling in policy.

The plea was made during what was supposed to be a routine discussion about polling matters and other priorities in House Minority Leader John Boehner's office. But the session devolved into a heated discussion about the roles of congressional leadership and Steele, according to multiple people familiar with the meeting.

Now, it seems the Republican infighting will continue into 2010.  During an appearance on Hannity to promote his new book, Steele said he didn't know if congressional Republicans were "ready" to be in the majority.

As reported by the Hotline:

In fact, when Hannity followed up on the point, Steele said he doesn't know if the GOP is ready to take back the reins of power.

"I don't know. And that's what I'm assessing and evaluating right now. Those candidates who are looking to run have to be anchored in these principles," he said, referring to 5 conservative ideals he lays out in his new tome. "If they don't [anchor themselves], then they'll get to Washington, and they'll start drinking that Potomac River water, and they'll get drunk with power and throw the steps out the window."

For obvious reasons, this didn't sit well with those on the Hill.  The Hotline continued:

It is the latest in a series of comments Steele has made that have GOP strategists on Capitol Hill privately fuming. In Sept., GOP leaders told Steele to stay out of the policy arena during a heated confrontation in House Min. Leader John Boehner's office.

Members of Congress and top GOP aides are livid with Steele's latest comments. Buzz early Tuesday surrounded just how aggressive Congressional aides and political strategists should push back, a delicate task when Steele controls the RNC's purse strings.

It will be interesting to see how the feud plays out in the coming weeks and months.  One thing's for sure though, it will be very fun to watch.