The Hill News

Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) will not run for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee (RNC), he said in a recent interview.

Coleman was rumored to be considering a bid for the post currently held by Michael Steele.

"I am not here to do any battle with our chairman," Coleman told C-SPAN. "He [Steele] is a friend."

Steele, a controversial figure among Republicans, has not indicated whether he will seek a second term as chairman. He has faced criticism throughout his tenure for his handling of the RNC's finances and his frequent verbal blunders.

Coleman meanwhile defended Steele to the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Friday.

"I don't think he [Steele] has gotten enough credit for the work he's done bringing the tea party and the Republi! can Party together," he said.

The C-SPAN interview is scheduled to air on Sunday.