Maria Cino Surprises Everyone

Although Maria Cino only finished third in the election for chairman of the Republican National Committee, she surprised everyone with her strength. She finished the first round of voting with 32 votes.

Cino is a former RNC deputy chairwoman but is neither a current or former committee member, which makes her strong showing in a group prone to electing its own even more surprising. She was backed by House Speaker John Boehner and former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Wisconsin Party Chairman Reince Priebus was elected chairman with 97 votes, a majority of the 168 RNC committee members.

Michigan Committeeman Saul Anuzis finished second with 43 votes.