Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Blackwell cleared for Issue 1 message
By Jim Siegel
Enquirer Columbus Bureau
COLUMBUS - Although critical of Secretary of State Ken Blackwell's role in advocating for state Issue 1, a panel of the Ohio Elections Commission on Monday found that he did not make false statements in a recorded phone message.
The coalition opposing Issue 1 filed a complaint last week arguing that Blackwell, in a call that reportedly went to more than 3 million homes, falsely suggested that voting against the proposed constitutional amendment would change state law.
The amendment would prohibit gay marriage and "a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals" modeled on marriage. Opponents note that current law already bans gay marriage, and voting against Issue 1 would not change that.
In the phone call, Blackwell says, "Government has always recognized marriage between one man and one woman. Why change that?"
William Booth, chairman of the elections commission, said Blackwell's statement was an opinion and therefore did not violate Ohio law. The panel agreed in a 3-0 vote.
But Booth ripped into Blackwell, Ohio's chief elections officer, for getting involved in the controversial Issue 1 campaign.
"I believe the secretary of state, from my own personal experience, encourages boards of election to avoid the political process in a partisan way," he said. "I think that is exactly what the secretary of state is doing here.
"Maybe the secretary of state should practice what he preaches."
Carlo LoParo, a spokesman for Blackwell, has defended his boss' decision to get involved in the campaign, noting that he also supported the Third Frontier initiative last year and opposed a drug-sentencing ballot proposal two years ago.
"He picks a position as a political official, as an elected leader, and has let the voters know what his positions are," LoParo said, noting that it doesn't lead to bias in the office. "Every issue that's brought before this office is treated in the same manner."
Two recent polls show strong support for Issue 1. A Columbus Dispatch poll found 2-to-1 support, while a University of Cincinnati Ohio Poll has 59 percent in favor.
Supporters say the amendment is needed to prevent activist judges from potentially forcing Ohio to accept gay marriages.
E-mail jsiegel@enquirer.com
ELECTION 2004
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Election 2004 section
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Enquirer's 2004 election guide
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