WASHINGTON – The former head of the Missouri GOP is running for chairwoman of the Republican National Committee.

In an online video addressed to RNC members, Ann Wagner joined the race on Monday to head the central committee.

In recent weeks she has called many of the 168 RNC members to weigh a bid to succeed current chairman Michael Steele, who has yet to say if he will seek another term.

Wagner said the party must position itself to challenge President Barack Obama in two years. She says the RNC must be "efficient, relevant, professional and credible.

Critics have panned Steele's high spending, heavy travel and lackluster fundraising.

Wagner is a former RNC member and ambassador to Luxembourg under President George W. Bush.