Mel Martinez named as "token" RNC head

The announcement of first term Florida Senator Mel Martinez as the GOP's new chairman brings up all sorts of interesting questions, but I want to look at the way the job is being redefined.

Under the arrangement, Martinez will remain in office and serve as the party's lead spokesman as well as take a major role in fundraising and political outreach, while RNC General Counsel Robert (Mike) Duncan will oversee the committee's day-to-day responsibilities. Duncan is serving his fourth term as a RNC committeeman from Kentucky and was also elected the committee's Treasurer in Jan. 2001.

So, Martinez is going to be the part time "token" head of the GOP (the (brown) face of the GOP, if you will,) while Robert Duncan will actually be running things.

Later: The Republicans aren't even denying it.

GOP officials said it was not coincidental that both Steele and Martinez are minorities who have shown an ability to broaden the party's appeal. Republicans captured 10 percent of the African American vote last week, identical to the 2004 number.

At least Steele could've been a full time chairman. Of course, that's probably why he wasn't chosen.