GOP chief Michael Steele drops out of race for re-election

OXON HILL — GOP Chairman Michael Steele has dropped his re-election bid after falling behind in balloting for the leadership of the Republican National Committee.

He asked his backers to give their votes to GOP operative Maria Cino.

Steele got a standing ovation after his announcement following a rocky two-year tenure that saw Republicans notch huge victories last fall.

After four rounds of voting, Reince Priebus (Ryns Pree’-bus) was leading. Cino, Ann Wagner and Saul Anuzis also were competing.