Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett has announced his endorsement of Mike Duncan for re-election as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

It is somewhat notable because former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell had expressed interest in the position.

Here is what Bennett said in a statement released Tuesday.

"As the longest serving state chairman on the Republican National Committee, I have personally witnessed many of our successes and failures," said Bennett in a letter to fellow members of the national committee. "I have seen what works and what doesn't, and I have recognized those chairmen whose leadership has been effective and who know how to win elections. With that in mind, I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Mike Duncan for re-election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee."

Bennett continued, "As I prepare to step aside after two decades as chairman in Ohio and entrust our future to the next generation, I want to do so with the confidence that I have supported a leader who understands the challenges we face, has a plan to meet each of those challenges, and has the experience to accomplish the hard work ahead of us. I have that kind of confidence in Mike Duncan."

The Republican National Committee will meet January 28-31 in Washington, D.C., to elect a chairman.

— John Arthur Hutchison