Republicans select new chair after rebuffing religious right choice.

The Republican National Committee in late January selected a new party chair, rejecting the candidate most favored by Religious Right groups but picking one who still has ties to that movement.

Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was elected to the post Jan. 30 after six ballots were cast. To clinch the seat, Steele had to overcome a challenge from five other candidates. Among them was Kenneth Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state and a Religious Right favorite.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council (FRC), heavily promoted Blackwell's candidacy as did Eagle Forum head Phyllis Schlafly, Focus on the Family Chairman James Dobson and longtime Religious Right activist Tim LaHaye.

In a message pushing Blackwell, Perkins said the ex-Ohio official's "extensive campaign experience and commitment to conservative principles will serve the RNC well. Ken is the clear choice in this race and why I am proud to support him for RNC chairman."(Blackwell went to work for FRC after losing a governor's race in 2006.)

Midway through the balloting, Blackwell dropped out and endorsed Steele. The New York Times reported that Steele then overcame his final opponent, South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson, to win the slot.

Steele, 50, will be the first African-American to lead the GOP. He is no stranger to the Religious Right. Steele has been a frequent speaker at the annual "Values Voter Summit" hosted by the FRC.

During the campaign, he took pains to dispute reports that he is a moderate, pointing out, for example, that he is a devout Roman Catholic who once studied for the priesthood and opposes abortion in all instances.

During the race, Steele made an aggressive play for Religious Right support. Dan Gilgoff, a U.S. News blogger who writes about religion issues, pointed out, "Despite Steele's reputation for working with party moderates, though, it's pretty clear that he's launched a serious effort to win over religious conservatives. The website for his chairmanship campaign included a lot more references to his faith and faith-based activities than Sarah's Palin's new political action committee site."