The GOP mandarins are voting now for a new chairman of the Republican Party, a move expected to signal how the party will apporach the post-Bush future—bigger tent, more of the same, or something else. This is also of course a debate within the wider conservative movement. Via Mark Silk, Marc Ambinder at The Atlantic indicates former Maryland lieutentant-governor and African-American Catholic,Michael Steele, may have a shot. Steele is pro-life but kind of big tent, and would—the pundits say—signal a new way forward. He might also represent a conundrum for Catholic conservatives (and some bishops), or a relief to same:

A Steele Surge?

30 Jan 2009 10:04 am

Voting begins in two hours, but the chatter in the halls of the Capital Hilton is that Michael Steele has benefited from a last-minute surge of support. Steele’s team estimates that he has at least 40 first-round votes in the bag, second only to current RNC chairman Mike Duncan, who will probably finish the first round with between 55 and 65 votes.

During a private meeting with members last night, Steele vociferously defended his personal views — he’s pro-life — and his intention to broaden the party’s reach to include those who disagree. He was well-recieved.

We have discussed the future of Catholic politicis and pols before, here and here.