Ohio.2C Blackwell.2C and the 2004 election Ohio gubernatorial election, 2006

ohio played decisive role in 2004 presidential election, ohio s electoral votes have been sufficient swing election george w. bush john kerry had kerry won in ohio. given importance of state, blackwell s role in conduct of election closely scrutinized. ohio secretary of state, blackwell state s chief elections officer. honorary co-chair bush re-election campaign in ohio , prominent backer of ballot measure ban same-sex marriage on same ballot.

leading election blackwell made number of decisions election process, of placed additional restrictions on voting. opponents argued blackwell s decisions have effect of suppressing turnout among vulnerable populations, of whom expected vote kerry in presidential contest—and blackwell had conflict of interest co-chair of bush s re-election campaign. supporters argued secretary of state had been partisan political office , there nothing wrong blackwell having preference in presidential elections; denied blackwell s decisions designed benefit bush.

reaction blackwell s conduct strong coalition of left-leaning organizations attempted amend ohio constitution abolish secretary of state s oversight of elections, part of package of election reforms. proposal rejected voters in november 2005. dissatisfaction blackwell s involvement in 2004 election apparently hurt him ohio s african-american community; according exit polls, blackwell received 20% of vote in 2006, compared higher showings in previous races. exit polls showed confidence in election process among ohio voters lower voters in florida, state produced unprecedented five-week post-election fight in 2000. among voters confident votes counted accurately, blackwell led strickland.