With speculation mounting that former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-Prince George's County) will announce his candidacy for the Republican National Committee's chairmanship by Thursday, Maryland Republicans say he's their man for the job.

"Michael will breathe new life into the RNC," Andrew Langer, a Queen Anne's County Republican and the president of the Institute for Liberty, told PolitickerMD.com. "He knows how to build from the ground up ... clearly that's something that needs to be done here."

Observers point to Steele's charisma and hefty resume in party building as a plus. Steele currently serves as chair of GOPAC - an organization which acts as an education and training center for Republican candidates and activists. Before serving a term as Maryland's lieutenant governor, Steele chaired the Republican's State Central Committee and the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee.

"Our brand lost its value," Mykel Harris, now-chair of the Prince George's County Republican Central Committee, told PolitickerMD.com."He's not afraid to be a leader, to stand up for principles."

Harris's observation resonates in Steele's message. "The Republican brand quite frankly sucks," Steele said at a fundraiser in July. "I mean it stinks, it's ugly, it's painful, but in all that I see opportunity."

Republicans in the state also point to Steele's rising star status on the national scene.

"Drill baby drill, and drill now," Steele said during his address at the Republican National Convention. The line quickly picked up and became a key talking point for Republicans during the 2008 election when Steele was one of John McCain's most active surrogates.

"Michael is an excellent spokesman for anything," Chris Cavey, 1st vice-chair of the state GOP's executive committee, told PolitickerMD.com.

Cavey said he's all for a Steele chairmanship and that "odds are he's running."

Steele could not be reached for comment.

DANNY REITER is a PolitickerMD.com Reporter and can be reached via email at Daniel.reiter@politicker.com.