After months of speculation surrounding his intentions, Michigan GOP chair Saul Anuzis has become the first big-name candidate to jump into the RNC chair's race, according to MSNBC's First Read.

"The comeback starts now!" screams a website, AnuzisForChair.com, that trumpets his candidacy. Anuzis "is running for Chairman of the Republican National Committee to bring back the party of ideas, bring it to every neighborhood in America and harness every tool of the digital age to lead an historic comeback for the GOP in 2010 and beyond."

Anuzis had been coy about his intentions in multiple conversations with Politics Nation, but most RNC watchers expected the Michigander to make a race. His formal decision comes just in time for him to take advantage of a gathering of RNC members in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this weekend.

The meeting is hosted by Katon Dawson, the Palmetto State GOP chief who is also widely expected to make a run for chair. Dawson is expected to make his own announcement next week. Having so many RNC members in the same place will provide a target-rich environment for anyone thinking of making a run.