WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Wisconsin Republican Chairman Reince Priebus Friday ousted Michael Steele as head the Republican National Committee.
Priebus garnered 97 votes in the seventh round of voting. He needed 85 to win. Steele dropped out of the contest after four rounds, The Hill reported.
"Now is the time to unite," Priebus said following his election, thanking Steele for his service.
Steele was only a single vote behind Priebus, the favorite, on the first round, The Washington Post reported. But he slipped with every new vote until he pulled out and backed Maria Cino, a former official with the national committee.
"I will step aside because I think the party is ready for something different," Steele said.
He defended his stewardship as head of the party: "I hope you all appreciate the legacy we leave. Despite the noise, despite the difficulties, we won."
Steele, 52, the first black to head the RNC, was selected following the election of U.S. President Barack Obama, when many in the GOP saw him as a charismatic counter to the first black president. But he became known for verbal gaffes and overspending that left the committee with a $23 million deficit.
The contest also included former Michigan Party Chairman Saul Anuzis and Missouri Chairwoman Ann Wagner. Priebus is also general counsel to the RNC.
