RNC head seeks 2nd term, will face rivals

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Michael Steele, seeking a second term as Republican National Committee chairman, said he will debate his rivals in Washington.

The debate will be held Jan. 3 at the National Press Club, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

Until Steele's intentions were confirmed Tuesday, his attendance at the event was in question, as he did not participate last month in an RNC debate sponsored by FreedomWorks. The event was held prior to Steele's formal announcement that he will seek a second term at the helm of the committee, the Post said.

A conservative Web site, the Daily Caller, the anti-tax group Americans for Tax Reform and the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List will sponsor the debate.

Steele will be joined by all of the candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring, including Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Reince Priebus, former Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis, former RNC official Maria Cino, former RNC Political Director Gentry Collins and former Ambassador to Luxembourg Ann Wagner.

Priebus said Sunday he has secured the support of California Republican National Committeeman Shawn Steel, a former strong Steele backer.