Posted on 10/06/2005 4:45:06 PM PDT by Columbus Dawg
COLUMBUS - Citing Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell’s independent, courageous leadership, Arizona Senator John McCain today endorsed Secretary Blackwell’s gubernatorial candidacy. Senator McCain’s endorsement substantially adds to the Blackwell campaign’s momentum and provides the organization with another powerful national ally and resource.
“Ohioans need Ken Blackwell’s clear thinking, straight talk and strong leadership at the top of the ticket,” said Senator McCain. “His agenda for limited government, economic development and job creation will put Ohio back on a winning path.”
“Senator McCain is a national hero and a man of integrity and principled leadership,” said Secretary Blackwell. “I am honored by his early support of my candidacy.”
“Voters admire Ken Blackwell’s independent, courageous leadership,” said Senator McCain. “Ken is building a winning coalition of Republican, conservative Democrat and Independent voters who will lead the Ohio GOP to victory in November 2006. I look forward to campaigning with him at public events and fundraisers across Ohio.”
Senator McCain joins a growing contingent of nationally respected conservative leaders who have joined the Blackwell campaign team. Texas Governor Rick Perry, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, former Georgia U.S. Senator Zell Miller and Forbes Magazine publisher Steve Forbes have also endorsed Secretary Blackwell’s gubernatorial candidacy.
Several independent and campaign polls show that Secretary Blackwell maintains a significant lead over his two Republican gubernatorial opponents, Attorney General Jim Petro and Auditor Betty Montgomery. Both trail Secretary Blackwell by at least 15 points according to the polling data.
Secretary Blackwell also bests both potential Democrat candidates, Rep. Ted Strickland and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, in head-to-head match-ups in a recent Zogby Interactive Poll. Both Petro and Montgomery lose by wide margins in similar match-ups against Strickland and Coleman.
Darn. I liked Blackwell.
Wow, I wonder which orifice mccain was speaking out of this time?
“Ohioans need Ken Blackwell’s clear thinking, straight talk and strong leadership at the top of the ticket,” said Senator McCain. “His agenda for limited government, economic development and job creation will put Ohio back on a winning path.”
As an Ohioan, gotta agree with McCain on this. Taft has been a disgrace to our state. I hope Blackwell is our next governor.
This is sarcasm, right? Blackwell can't help who endorses him. I donated to Blackwell's campaign twice before this happened.
The problem with OH is the RINOs have ruined it. Not sure how getting an endorsement from grandaddy RINO will help things.
Now this is strange.
Thats all good and well but is he a Bush-bot? Would he kill himself if Bush asked him too?As another freeper so eloquently surmised earlier today.
It means McCain recognizes no one is likely to become President without Ohio.
That the Ohio Republicans are not popular right now, saving Blackwell.
That McCain wishes to be on good relations with the probable next Governor of a vital swing state, possibly earning Blackwell's recommendation in '08.
I am fascinated by your comment. Are you telling me that your congressperson pursues the objectives that you need?
I really like Blackwell up until now.
Yes. A good friend of mine is working for Ken.
Now, if Rove gets Kasich to run for Ohio governor, McCain is really going to go nuts.
"Are you telling me that your congressperson pursues the objectives that you need?"
Yes, I've followed Blackwell closely through the years.
McCain a "nationally respected conservative leader" which is, of course, absurd.
You should check his voting record ranked by just about any conservative group.
This is series. It's hugh. I'm stuned.
I take it haven't seen my postings about him? Or have you. ;-)
There is no politician on Left or Right I detest more than Senator John McCain.
Even if he takes delight in turning on conservatives, even Christians, he isn't entirely foolish. He knows Ohio is pivotal. He's making connections. Also, it may be felt if McCain offers his support that Blackwell owes him. I would dispute that, if McCain is of that opinion. Blackwell leads with or without McCain's endorsement.
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