By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-937103.mp3
LANSING, MI – The former state GOP chairman is making a bid to lead the Republican National Committee -- where he could play a key role in setting the national calendar of presidential primaries and caucuses.
Former Michigan GOP chair Saul Anuzis says there will almost certainly be a new challenge by other states to the early dominance of Iowa and New Hampshire in the presidential primary season. Anuzis was part of the 2007 effort to move Michigan up on the primary calendar.
Anuzis is making his second attempt at winning the RNC chairmanship. He lost two years ago to Michael Steele, who Republican leaders thought would serve as a charismatic counterpoint to President Obama. But Steele's tenure has been rocky, marred by scandals and a big debt coming out of this year's elections. Anuzis says he can do better.
"Circumstances have changed," Anuzis says. "Now we need someone who will make the trains run on time and raise the money necessary."
Anuzis appeared over the weekend on the Michigan Public TV show "Off the Record." He's one of several contenders for the chairmanship. Steele has not said whether he intends to run again.