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• Previous story: Ken Blackwell withdraws, supports Steele

WASHINGTON — Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele was elected to head the Republican National Commitee in a 91 to 77 vote over South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson, after several candidates dropped out, including Ohio's J, Kenneth Blackwell.

"It is time for something completely different, and we're going to bring it to them," said Steele, the first African-American ever to head the Republican National Committee, "We're going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community."

Former Ohio GOP Chairman Bob Bennett of Cleveland said Steele's election would "take the party in a new direction"

"You have a great spokesman for the party," said Bennett.