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RNC's New General Counsel: Norm Semanko

By Tanya Roth, Esq. on December 15, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

RNC Chair Michael Steele may still be struggling to hold onto his post for another term. But one position within the Republican's national committee has been set. Steele has appointed Idaho Republican Party Chairman Norman M. Semanko as RNC General Counsel. The appointment is still subject to confirmation by the National Committee.

Semanko was previously the Chair of the Idaho Republican Party, reports NewsonNews. First elected to the position in 2008, he was unanimously re-elected in 2010. Semanko was a 2008 delegate to the Republican National Convention. He is currently a member of the RNC Ethics Committee, and on the RNC Budget Committee, representing the Western Region. This is an elected position.

According to the Aspen Business Journal, Semanko rose to the Idaho Chairmanship with the help of conservative members and tea-party activists within the state organization. He is credited with bringing even more Republican dominance to Idaho politics. This past November, Republicans in that state picked up additional seats in the Idaho Legislature and kept control of all seven statewide executive-branch offices.

The embattled Steele had only positive words to describe his new GC, reported NewsonNews. "His exceptional qualifications will ensure the committee's sound legal footing and make sure that the resources are in place to continue to build on this year's historic elections."

Norm Semanko is a graduate of Georgetown Law Center. While at GW, he served as Student Bar Association Vice President and was a member of the Craven Constitutional Law Moot Court team.

The RNC General Counsel is a volunteer, unpaid position.

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