TX firebrand tones it down as GOP chief

AUSTIN (AP) - Republican activist Cathie Adams has almost made a career out of stirring things up.

She has criticized senior members of her own party, bucked business leaders by opposing their cherished lawsuit reform efforts, called global warming a "hoax" and used the specter of Adolf Hitler to warn of perceived Obama Administration excesses.

Then she got elected to lead the Texas Republican Party.

Adams, who was chosen to lead the party in a special election last month, won't be blasting fellow Republicans anytime soon.

She'll be trying to get more of them elected, even if they don't hold her conservative views on abortion, stem cell research or other social issues.

While she hasn't changed her beliefs, the 59-year-old Adams said the new gig requires her to stay neutral in contested races while projecting party unity.

Adams led the Texas Eagle Forum for 16 years.