Steele issues challenge to Republicans

RNC Chair Michael Steele challenged Wisconsin Republicans to stand up against the wave of Dem proposals flowing out of Washington, D.C., charging the other side is consolidating power over health care, the economy and business in the hands of the government.

Steele said "Uncle Obama, Nanny Pelosi and Grinch Reid" are planning an America that is less industrious and less ambitious.

"This is not the kind of America that Republicans want," Steele said. "This is not the kind of America that Republicans envision and this is not the kind of America that Republicans will allow to happen."

Steele, who has been under fire from some in Republican circles over his public comments and leadership of the party since taking over earlier this year, made light of his troubles.

He told the crowd he has learned in his three months on the job that you cannot please everyone.

"But you can certainly tick them all off at the same time," he said. "I have managed to tick off just about everybody I've encountered in the past three months, and that just reminds me that I'm doing my job because the party needs to change."

In addition to criticizing Dems, Steele took some shots at member of his own party who "drank the Potomac water" and got high on power, leading to reckless spending that ruined the GOP's brand with voters.

He said Republicans are now watching those in charge lead the state on a "reckless" course of spending, borrowing and taxing.

"What are you going to do about it?" he asked the crowd.

Listen to the speech here.

-- By JR Ross