Monday, January 10, 2005

The Problem with Ohio... and Other States

Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican who co-chaired the Bush-Cheney election campaign in Ohio is also responsible for the election process in Ohio. Kathleen Harris, Republican who co-chaired the Bush-Cheney election campaign in Florida in 2000 was also responsible for the election process in Florida. The "problem" states in both elections had a person who was both a chair for a campaign and the person in charge of the election. Is there any wonder why some people have worries about the legitimacy of either of these elections? I am not sure how many states have Democrats in duel roles as well, but this is a problem that should be stopped. If a person wants to run an election, they should not be allowed to also run a campaign. The conflicts of interests are just to overwhelming.

Blackwell, a man who has had numerous issues over the past 2 years over how he ran Ohio elections has found himself in further hot water today by asking for illegal contributions for his 2006 Gubernatorial campaign.


Ohio Letter Seeks Illegal Contributions (Link to Full Story)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state's chief elections officer, accused of mishandling the presidential vote in Ohio, sent a fund-raising letter for his own 2006 gubernatorial campaign that was accompanied by a request for illegal contributions.

A pledge card with the letter from Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican who co-chaired the Bush-Cheney election campaign in Ohio, said "corporate & personal checks are welcome."

Corporate donations are illegal in Ohio.

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