Progress Ohio | Dave Harding's Blog: Ohio GOP "Misdirected" 5,000 In Federal Funds To Ken Blackwell

Ohio GOP "Misdirected" $495,000 In Federal Funds To Ken Blackwell

By Dave Harding, ProgressOhio - Aug 27th, 2008 at 2:17 pm EDT

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Categories: Honest and Ethical Government, Election Reform, News, Featured

Money went to support Blackwell gubernatorial bid, GOP spokesman says.

The Ohio Republican Party funneled $495,000 into an account used to support the candidacy of former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell that should have only been used to support candidates for national office, according to a letter from Ohio's current Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and a GOP spokesman.

A spokesman for the Republican Party disagreed with the secretary's findings, saying, "We're seeking a legal opinion. We feel federal funds can be spent on a statewide race."

Despite an earlier statement to the contrary, that spokesman for the Republican Party said only one statewide candidate received the money in question. The spokesman said it was the candidate for Governor, Ken Blackwell.

Blackwell achieved notoriety after allegations he abused his office as the state's top elections official. While serving as Secretary of State, which handles statewide elections, he also doubled as state chairman for George W. Bush's 2004 reelection campaign. Blackwell has been named in more than ten voter disenfranchisement lawsuits.

He was also named in a 2006 lawsuit after his office publicly disclosed the Social Security numbers of Ohio residents.

See Also:

Ohio Republicans Accused Of Misdirecting Campaign Funds In '06

Ohio GOP illegally funneled $495,000 from federal account, top campaign finance official writes

Reader Comments

I almost feel sorry for the Ohio GOP

By OHliz Aug 27th 2008 at 2:51 pm EDT (Updated Aug 27th 2008 at 2:51 pm EDT)

J. Kenneth ruined their reputation. He was an extremely biased SoS. He is pro-cronyism and an idealogue. He's the reason I started caring about Ohio politics. I just couldn't believe this guy was nominated for governor by a major party. He's that bad.

Re: I almost feel sorry for the Ohio GOP

By Doug Aug 27th 2008 at 3:14 pm EDT (Updated Aug 27th 2008 at 3:14 pm EDT)

Yet, he is a frequent guest on Faux News and CNN and even Sunday Morning Talking Heads shows.

Did the Dems who got trounced by 30 or 40% to Taft and Voinovich for governor get put on these shows. I think not.

One thing is for sure---he won't be put on the shows if he ends up in an orange jumpsuit.

Re: I almost feel sorry for the Ohio GOP

By Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio Aug 27th 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT (Updated Aug 27th 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT)

Noted drug smuggler Oliver North who was originally sentenced to three years for his part in Iran-Contra has his own show on Fox News.

G Gordy Liddy was sentenced to 20 years for Watergate and he's a frequent Fox panelist.

If Blackwell was imprisoned for voter fraud, they'd probably give him his own spin-off network.

Follow the money!

By Daily Outrage Aug 27th 2008 at 4:52 pm EDT (Updated Aug 27th 2008 at 4:52 pm EDT)

Candidate Blackwell marketed himself as Mr. Clean, then he had stock in Diebold when he steered Diebold the voting machine contract; fiscal conservative Blackwell got caught by Jennifer Brunner illegally paying his staffers bonuses on the way out the door; now we find out about the laundered money.

Amazing stuff

DIY abortions averted

By OHliz Aug 28th 2008 at 6:25 am EDT (Updated Aug 28th 2008 at 6:25 am EDT)

Good thing Ohioans recognized that Blackwell was wrong for governor for so many reasons. We would be counting women's dead bodies now had he been elected.

GASP!

By mswhite Aug 29th 2008 at 5:19 am EDT (Updated Aug 29th 2008 at 5:19 am EDT)

I am not surprised nor impressed by anything that involves Ken Blackwell. He is one of those politicans that makes my radical nature rise whenever his name is mentioned.