As Republican chairman, I am proud of my party and loyal to our members. But if Republicans are guilty of illegal or inappropriate behavior, they should pay the price and suffer the consequences.

Our party is divided on that issue because we're a big-tent party. The fact is that if your family is bigger, when you have dinner there are more arguments. What we're going to do is focus on where we agree, not areas we disagree about.

The public trust is more important than party. Which is why the first solution to the problem is rooting out those who have done wrong, without regard to party or ideology.

Today Joe Mehlman's grandson is proud to be chairman of the party of Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass - and of Condi Rice, Michael Steele, Colin Powell, Michael Williams, Ken Blackwell, and so many others,

It's a message to the Republican Party. We're not happy with our local politicians. We're not happy with Republicans that are out to have bigger government and increase our taxes. We're hoping that Mitch can talk to these guys tonight.

I am committed to ensure that our 2008 Republican presidential candidates forthrightly address issues of importance to the African-American community.