Mehlman stepping down as GOP chief

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Ken Mehlman has confirmed he is resigning as Republican National Committee chairman in January, a Washington report says.

Mehlman told The Washington Times he had decided to step down last summer and was not prompted by the GOP loss of both houses of Congress in this week's midterm elections.

The Times also reported the RNC post would be offered to Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

Mehlman said no one told him he needed to resign as party chief. Actually, he said, "Folks wanted me to stay."

He said he told the White House over the summer it was his decision to leave the RNC post, "win, lose or draw," the Times said.