Steele to Critics: Fire Me or Shut Up

Michael Steele lashed out at his Republican critics today, telling them to “get a life” and “get out of the way.” Steele was responding to the hail of friendly fire he’s been taking lately, including today’s Washington Times report that donors are boycotting the RNC. “I’ve had enough of it,” he told ABC News today. “If you don’t want me in the job, fire me. But until then, shut up.”

He fired back specifically at some of his predecessors who have criticized him for taking money for personal speaking gigs. “Some of my prior chairmen who are running their mouths right now,” Steele said. “How many farm teams did you build as chairman?” Asked to grade his own performance, he gave himself a “solid B,” awarding credit for raising $80 million, boosting the party’s web presence, and gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia. (More Republican National Committee stories.)