Conservative Ohio Paper "UNENDORSES" Blackwell-Says Conduct is UnChristian

[kpete]

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Conservative Ohio paper takes back endorsement of GOP gubernatorial candidate, calls his conduct un-Christian
by John in DC - 10/21/2006 http://americablog.blogspot.com/2006/10/conservative-ohio-paper-takes-back.html

Courier Editorials
Unendorsed


We've been following Ken Blackwell's career for years. Our file on him is more than an inch thick. We've talked with him personally and come away impressed with his intelligence and commitment to change -- both of which are much needed in this state.But while Blackwell may still get some of our individual votes, he's lost our endorsement, for whatever it's worth. His total nastiness at the Monday debate with his opponent, Democrat Ted Strickland, has proven that he's really not the kind of man we need as our next governor. Personal attacks of dubious accuracy should have no place in a political campaign. As Strickland said, "Mr. Blackwell, you should be ashamed of yourself."

Both Blackwell and Strickland have campaigned as religious people. Blackwell is an evangelical Christian and Strickland an ordained Methodist minister. The Monday debate showed which one has a greater understanding of Christian conduct.

When will the politicians learn that most people hate this sort of negativism? For a bright man, Blackwell apparently hasn't figured out that when you're polling badly, you don't just do more of the same. The only people who react positively to negative campaigning are those who are as mean-spirited as the message. And thankfully, there aren't enough of them to make a difference at Ohio's polls.

Blackwell was already hurting due to some policy missteps that could have been overcome if he'd handled them openly. His signature policy, the TEL, turned into a fiasco because he refused too long to acknowledge a careless error that needed to be changed. Then he alienated educators by promoting the "65-cent solution," which would have required 65 percent of school funds to be spent on the classroom.

But Blackwell still had some good ideas -- a state health insurance plan modeled on the one Massachusetts just adopted; a flatter state tax with fewer brackets; leasing the turnpike to promote economic development. It's a shame that these will likely be abandoned now, particularly since Strickland's proposals don't even come close to what Ohio needs. But in order to get his policies passed, Blackwell would need to have both a decent working relationship with the Legislature and enough influence with Ohio voters to convince legislators to take a chance. He decisively blew both of those Monday night.

more at:
http://www.thecourier.com/opinion/editoral/ar_ED_101806.asp

[bluerum]

1. Gee. That's too bad. He seems like such a nice man. Not. nt

[Nikki Stone 1]

4. The GOP candidate loses a "holier than thou" competition?

I guess I should be amused, but all this religion in politics frankly scares me.

[liberaldemocrat7]

8. bwahahahahahaha Imagine that.

A conservative newspaper actually practicing genuine Christianity and casting off their cancerous conservative candidate off.

I did not realize that Ted Strickland worked as an ordained Minister also. I recall Catholic priests could have held political office until the Catholic church banned that and father Drinan had to leave congress.

As a New Yorker, I hope Ted Strickland wins.

[Nikki Stone 1]

10. It's always amazing when someone isn't using Christianity to grandstand

...

[C_U_L8R]

2. Whatever

what's even funnier is that Republicans think
they are the supreme arbiters of what's "christian"
and what isn't.. bwahahahahhahahhhahahahahhahahahhahahah

[yellowcanine]

3. Wow. Total smackdown by a Republican newspaper. This is hugh!

[rodeodance]

9. this gives me hope for America.--a little.

[Marr]

5. Well, he won't need their endorsement if he just disqualifies his

opponent, which he may well do.

[Canuckistanian]

6. They just figured that out NOW?

Exactly what has been "christian" about Blackwell to begin with, other than he calls himself one?

[mod mom]

7. bwa-ha-ha LOVED sending it out!

[leesa]

11. They've been following him for years and just figured it out now?

I would say they are a bit ethically challenged at that there paper.

[Straight Shooter]

12. "The only people who react positively to negative campaigning ...

"... are those who are as mean-spirited as the message."

Well, if that didn't hit the nail on the head, nothing will. I wonder how many of those at The Courier voted for bush and his mean-spirited purple band-aid supporters.

[The Doctor.]

13. Seems to be a fairly 'Lukewarm' condemnation...

"But Blackwell still had some good ideas -- a state health insurance plan modeled on the one Massachusetts just adopted; a flatter state tax with fewer brackets; leasing the turnpike to promote economic development. It's a shame that these will likely be abandoned now, particularly since Strickland's proposals don't even come close to what Ohio needs."

Shooting at Strickland on the issues and at Blackwell on composure... sounds to be hedging their bets.

[tsuki]

15. Keeping inter-city lines at the polls long. Confusion at the precinct.

Purging Democrats from the voting list. GOOD CONSERVATIVE CHRISTAIN VALUES.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

14. Fristian versus Christian

Blackwell is your basic Fristian political opportunist using religion when it suits him. Otherwise, he' just a lying republican dirtbag.

Strickland is actually a practicing Christian, as opposed to a posturing Fristian.

[Wilms]

16. K & R n/t

[Toots]

17. Strickland's proposals don't even come close to what Ohio needs.

Why is it, with Republicans, opinions are always stated as fact? :shrug:

[cui bono]

18. Because it was an editorial, not a news story.