The disclosure that Ronna McDaniel is planning to step down this month as the leader of the Republican National Committee has set off a new round of jockeying between two of the same men who battled for the co-chairman post last year.
As he did last year, Donald J. Trump, the Republican front-runner for the White House, looks likely to back Michael Whatley, an election-denying ally — this time, though, as Ms. McDaniel’s replacement.
But Mr. Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, was not successful last year.
And while the former president wields broad influence over who leads the party, his power is not absolute.
And Republican committee members may not be in lock step.
Persons:
Ronna McDaniel, Donald J, Trump, Michael Whatley, —, Whatley, Drew McKissick, ” Tyler Bowyer
Organizations:
Republican National, Republican, White, North Carolina Republican Party
Locations:
Arizona