Rising national star Nick Ayers, a senior aide to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, also has vocal support from influential GOP figures. Along with Trump's public admiration, McDaniel has factors working in her favor, not the least of which is representing Republicans in a state that, until last month, was carried by Democrats in six consecutive presidential elections. Having a national party chair from here makes sense, said Bob LeBrant, a Michigan GOP activist and former political director of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Priebus' legacy — investing early in campaign staff and technology in key states — ahead of the 2018 midterms and 2020 presidential election is something an existing RNC member, as McDaniel is, would be inclined to follow, party insiders say. Other assets supporters cite: A quick study, solid fundraising reputation and a strong Republican pedigree. Besides Uncle Mitt, the Michigan Romneys include her late, former-Governor grandfather George Romney. After executing Michigan's GOP election plan to victory, she next converted the state GOP into Trump's recount legal team. Ayers was the Republican Governors Association executive director in 2010, a successful year for Republican state executives and was a key adviser to Pence's 2012 governor's race.