Here is a bit on Blackwell from an article on Human Events about the current crop of black Republicans:Ken Blackwell: The most impressive member of this fraternity is Ohio Secretary of State, Ken Blackwell. As George Will pointed out in a recent column, "Blackwell is particularly noteworthy because he has had the most varied political career -- a city councilman at 29, mayor at 31, national chairman of Steve Forbes's 2000 presidential campaign. And because he is the most conservative." Blackwell is not a favorite of the national or Ohio GOP. Normally, this would be a negative, but in a year when the Ohio GOP is tainted with scandal, being an outsider has proven to be serendipitous. Why did I pick Blackwell for number one? First of all, his race is an open-seat, meaning he won't have to try to oust an incumbent. His extensive campaign experience means he won't have to reinvent the wheel -- and it also means he is much less likely to commit the gaffes typical of inexperienced candidates. And, unlike Maryland (where our next candidate hails from), Ohio is a swing-state with a history of electing both Republicans and Democrats.Emphasis added.
Blackwell isn't a favorite of the national GOP? Huh? How does that work? Everytime the national party talks about diversity they mention Ken Blackwell. He's rumored to be the guy for VP for whomever winds up with the nomination in '08.
Is this more horrible analysis from Human Events or do they know something I don't?
Mark's Remarks
Let me put it to you like this, Matt. As long as Ken looks pretty for the cameras and smiles, the GOP loves him. When he starts talking about reforming the crap in the Ohio GOP and nationally making an impact to get us back to values, that is when the GOP cringes. You see, Ken is not a Hugh Hewitt cheerleader type. He doesn't have the pompoms or the short dress, like Hugh. He is not a member of the "Bob Bennett Kiss my butt club" or anything. Ken is not one to kowtow to the special interests, you see. So this scares the crap out of establishment Republicans. You see, he actually believes that stuff Reagan said, unlike people who pay it lip service like McCain and Co.
