Reince Priebus won a new two-year term Friday as Republican Party chairman and immediately vowed to “go after” the record of possible Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
“We’ve been preparing for a long long time and we’re ready for Hillary,” Priebus said.
Priebus, 42, is widely credited for leading more disciplined, better organized and funded party. The Wisconsin activist has been chairman since 2011.
He used his brief acceptance speech at the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting at a San Diego area resort to go after Clinton. At the outset, he pledged to keep his remarks to 10 minutes. “Or as Hillary Clinton would call it, just a $25,000 speech.”
After touting his party’s successes, he returned to Clinton.
“It’s up to us to make the case against the Democratic candidates that want to be Obama’s third term,” he said. “Whether that’s Hillary or Biden or Warren or someone else.”
And, he said, “the funny thing about Hillary Clinton is that the more people hear from her, the less they like her.”
Clinton has not announced her 2016 plans. But, Priebus said, “let’s be clear. She is campaigning. She’s just found a way to get paid really, really well for it.” Clinton has been criticized for huge speech fees.
“But she still wants you to know she’s just your average ‘dead broke’ American,” he scoffed. Clinton said that after her husband left the presidency, the family struggled with its finances.
“At the RNC we’re not waiting until Hillary’s the nominee,” Priebus said. “We’re not waiting until she announces to go after her record.”