Published: July 09, 2009 01:28 pm      

RNC chairman fires up Indiana Republican fundraiser

INDIANAPOLIS — GOP National Committee chairman Michael Steele rallied Indiana Republicans on Wednesday night, saying it was time for the party to stand up to Democrats and stop complaining about being out of power in Washington.

“Lift your heads,” Steele told about 800 people at the Indiana State Republican dinner at the downtown Marriott Hotel. “I’m so sick and tired of Republicans whining and moaning and complaining. You lost, get over it.

“Wake up and pay attention and focus on the fact that our country is being taken apart bit by bit.”

The former lieutenant governor from Maryland, who became RNC chairman in January, also said the party needs to reach out more to young people.

“We will not move forward unless we move to their rhythm,” Steele said. He asked all teenagers and other young people in the crowd to stand up, and encouraged them to get more involved at all levels of government.

“This is not your mother’s or your daddy’s party anymore, it is your party,” he said. “Step up and step in.”

Steele’s visit comes less than three weeks after former President Bill Clinton spoke at a fundraiser dinner for Indiana Democrats in which he vigorously defended President Barack Obama, saying Obama has done what was needed to spark the economy.

Steele said Wednesday that $787 billion in stimulus money and bank bailouts has done little to improve the economy and that Obama’s honeymoon is over. He encouraged Republicans to get back to what he called the principles the party stands for — faith, freedom, responsibility and a commitment to economic growth.

The state party had no immediate estimate on how much was raised, but said the dinner cost $175 per person and VIP seating was $300.

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels was vacationing in West Virginia and missed the dinner, but Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman attended. She praised Daniels and Republican state lawmakers for insisting on a state budget approved in the recent special session, calling it one that lived within the state’s means, did not include a tax increase and would leave the state with a surplus.

Some pundits have suggested Daniels as a potential candidate for president in 2012. In his second term as governor, Daniels has repeatedly said he would not run again for public office.

Asked after the dinner about a possible run by Daniels, Steele said “That’s all on the governor.”

“I think that Mitch has been one of those governors that has been steady to the cause,” Steele said. “He’s stayed principled, he’s for more state discipline and he’s stayed focused on what’s most important for the people here and the nation is going to recognize him.”

About 20 protesters gathered outside the hotel, many holding signs saying they were fed up with Congress and its spending.