Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-Prince George's County) officially announced his candidacy for the Republican National Committee's chairmanship on Thursday.

In a statement, Steele said the GOP had failed to live up to its own principles and to address America's concerns in a "solutions oriented" manner.

"The Republican Party must present a vision for the future of America that relies on our conservative values and core principles," Steele said in a statement. "It is wrong to believe the voters have suddenly become liberal. They have just lost any sense of confidence that the Republican Party holds the answers to their problems."

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 from 2000 to 2002 and the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee from 1994 to 2000.

"I know first-hand the RNC must truly be run as a federation of state parties in order to be effective," Steele said. "I believe the leadership of our party must come from its grassroots because the members of the RNC are the best representation of what direction our party needs to take."

Steele said the Republican Party has been defining itself by what it's against rather than what it's for and that the GOP needs to get back to winning elections "not just for the sake of winning, but for the sake of our Country's future." 

"We can tell you why public schools aren't working, but not articulate a compelling vision for how we'll better educate children," Steele added.  "We're well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can't begin to explain how we'll help the poor. The success of our Party's resurgence will come from the states - from our local leaders and from our Governors."

The next chair will be selected by the 168 members of the RNC in January.

Other candidates said to be interested in the position include the current RNC Chair Mike Duncan, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), South Carolina Republican Party Chair Katon Dawson, Florida Republican Party Chair Jim Greer, Chip Saltsman, who managed Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, former RNC official Chuck Yob and former U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle (R-Iowa), who currently serves as the director of the Office of Management and Budget in the White House.