But don't try to get yourself elected

Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, has done a superb job of fund raising and getting Republicans elect . . .

Hahahahahaha!

Actually, in another entry in the long-running FAIL of Steele's Chairman-ship, Republican Jim Tedisco-ball has conceded defeat in his quest to take Kirsten Gillibrand's seat in the NY-20:

Steele was bound to take a hit on this one, even if the seat was previously held by Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, now New York's junior Senator. The RNC chairman went to 20th congressional district twice to campaign for Jim Tedisco, the Republican candidate and state assemblyman. He sent money and party resources there as well. And with the seat having been in Republican hands prior to Gillibrand's 2006 election, it was viewed as a real chance for a GOP pick-up.

So, Michael, how's that working out for you now?

But he had high hopes . . .

A special election was held in NY for the 20th Congressional district, where Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat.

Jim Tedisco, NY State Assembly Minority Leader, was picked to run for the R's. Scott Murphy, a non-politician, ran for the D's. Just a few weeks ago, Tedisco was up by 20 points. As of tonight, with some ballots yet to be counted, we know 3 things:

• Murphy is up by a few hundred votes.
• Tedisco filed a bullshit complaint (faxed from Staples!) before today's preliminary results were announced. (Warning: PDF [h/t FDL]).
• Michael Steele's future as anything other than Rush Limbaugh's lawn jockey may depend on this race.

This election ultimately changes nothing. The House is firmly under Democratic control, 1 vote either way doesn't matter. But I'll bet Steele doesn't feel that way. Other than alienating nearly everyone, raising less cash than needed, firing RNC staff, he's done pretty well.

For a FAIL.

Speak softly love and hold me warm against your heart

"Don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever."

(graphic by Dancin' Dave)