In RNC Election, Duncan Withdraws as Steele Surges; Update: Steele and Dawson Tied; Update: Blackwell Endorses Steele

After three rounds of balloting, Mike Duncan withdrew his bid for another term as RNC chairman. Michael Steele had just pulled ahead of Duncan after the third round:

Steele 51, Duncan 44, Dawson 34, Anuzis 24, Blackwell 15

On the second ballot, Duncan and Steele were tied:

Duncan 48, Steele 48, Dawson 29, Anuzis 24, Blackwell 19

On the first ballot, Duncan was in the lead:

Duncan 52, Steele 46, Dawson 28, Anuzis 22, Blackwell 20

During his remarks, Duncan made no public endorsement, but the big question is whether or not he has privately thrown his weight behind another candidate. Eighty-five votes are needed to win.

Update: The fourth ballot:

Dawson 62, Steele 60, Anuzis 31, Blackwell 15.

Jim Geraghty sums up the fears of some in the room:

there are already murmurs of, "Can you imagine how the MSM's coverage will be if the guy who was in the country club with a whites-only charter beats an African-American on the final ballot?"

Update: Blackwell, who had 15 votes last round, gives a speech saying the party needs a "new birth of freedom" and endorses Steele. The fifth ballot showdown between Dawson, Steele, and Anuzis begins.

Update: Steele is six votes from victory. Fifth ballot: