Party bosses are traditionally “elected” in smoke filled rooms behind closed doors. Or more recently, the chairman of the Republican Party was “selected” by the president.

No more. On January 28 the 168 members of the Republican National Committee–themselves elected by Republicans in their states—will elect one of six candidates to be the Chairman of the party for two years.

This is the closest thing to a national presidential election Republicans will face for four years. Unlike a Congressman or Senator, the Chairman of the RNC has all the duties of a presidential candidate. He or she must raise money, run the organization and communicate the party’s message.

Some French Guy once said that “War is too important to be left to the generals.” Well, the RNC chairmanship is too important to be left to the politicians. Every liberty loving American deserves to have a stake in who is elected to lead the party that should, and could be the leader of the fight for freedom in America.

Six candidates will face off in a public debate on Monday, January 5 from one o’clock to two-thirty at the National Press Building: Saul Anuzis, the GOP chair of Michigan; Katon Dawson, the South Carolina Chairman; Chip Saltzman, the former party chairman in Tennessee; Mike Duncan, the present RNC chairman; Michael Steele, the head of GOPAC; and former Maryland chairman and Ken Blackwell, the former Secretary of State of Ohio.

The debate will be live streamed from www.RNCdebate.org. ATR is hosting the debate and the questions will be those submitted from activists across the nation on the RNCdebate.org website.

This debate on January 5 will set a precedent. Never again should the RNC chair be appointed by anyone. Every center-right activist should have a say in questioning the candidates and communicating with RNC members who cast votes….just like lobbying your congressman and senators.

The route to a freer America begins with each of us caring enough to engage on this first election in the campaign for 2010, 2012 and beyond.