Priebus to run for another term as RNC Chairman

Despite a disappointing election season that saw the Republican Party lose the presidential race and shed seats in both houses of Congress, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus appears to have escaped blame, announcing today in an email to RNC members that he is running for the chairmanship again and receiving encouragement from hundreds of members in response.

In the email, Priebus avoided any mention of the disappointments of the 2012 election, focusing instead on the yeoman's work he did rebuilding the RNC after the tumultuous tenure of former Chairman Michael Steele.

"The RNC has come a long way since the Chairman's election in January 2011," wrote Priebus. "When we entered the building less than two years ago, we faced many difficult challenges. The RNC was over $22 million in debt with almost no cash on hand; much of our donor base lost confidence and stopped contributing to the RNC."

Today, Priebus wrote, the RNC has been resuscitated as a crucial part of the GOP infrastructure. "Through all of our hard work and focus we changed course and got our committee back on sound financial footing, breaking fundraising records, and restoring donor trust. We deployed a Republican ground game that was the strongest in history. We harnessed new technology and built upon our outreach efforts, reaching more voters and spreading the Republican message."

The closest Priebus came to acknowledging the tough road ahead for Republicans was his admission that "there is still much more that needs to be done to strengthen and grow our Party, and to overcome new challenges that we now face."

He touted the support of over 130 RNC members (more than enough to reelect him) who have pledged their support for his bid to remain chairman, calling himself "honored and humbled" by their vote of confidence.

Prior to Priebus' emailed announcement, over 100 RNC members, in an email chain obtained by CBS News, praised him and encouraged him in his bid to remain in the post.

"Reince, I know how hard you worked. You did everything humanly possible to help the RNC and Mitt Romney. I urge you to run for re-election as our chairman. Now it's on to 2014...and victory!!" wrote one.

"We are all very thankful for a standout like Reince leading this Committee...Well done again, Chairman. We still own this country, and we can still take it back. Onward," wrote another.

In his email, Priebus indicated that he will officially announce his bid to remain chairman after he spends some "much needed time with my family" over the Thanksgiving holiday.

CBS News' Caroline Horn contributed to this report.