Mykel Harris

With speculation mounting that former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-Prince George's County) will announce his candidacy for the Republican National Committee's chairmanship by Thursday, Maryland Republicans say he's their man for the job.

"Michael will breathe new life into the RNC," Andrew Langer, a Queen Anne's County Republican and the president of the Institute for Liberty, told PolitickerMD.com. "He knows how to build from the ground up ... clearly that's something that needs to be done here."

Observers point to Steele's charisma and hefty resume in party building as a plus. Steele currently serves as chair of GOPAC - an organization which acts as an education and training center for Republican candidates and activists. Before serving a term as Maryland's lieutenant governor, Steele chaired the Republican's State Central Committee and the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee.

"Our brand lost its value," Mykel Harris, now-chair of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee, told PolitickerMD.com. "He's not afraid to be a leader, to stand up for principles."

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Succeeding in this election cycle will be an uphill battle for Republicans in Prince George's County, according to Mykel Harris, chair of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee.

"It's a tough year for Republicans - even tougher in Prince George's County," Harris told PolitickerMD.com. "In the past I would have to say it hasn't been competitive. We're outnumbered 6 to 1. That is the biggest challenge and as a result we don't really have a farm team."

State Del. Joseph Vallario, Jr. (D) has held seat 27A since 1975 and U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) is expected to easily win reelection in November against Republican Peter James.  

Harris says recruits are "typically unknown" because Prince George's Republicans start out at a disadvantage. "This is where you're last in the league," he said.