Disgusting.
That's the best word to describe Ken Blackwell's most recent allegations that his opponent in the governor's race, Ted Strickland, is somehow linked with a child sex predator, backed a House resolution supported by a pedophilia group and might be gay.
In a story by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Blackwell accused Strickland of employing someone arrested for exposing himself to children, a charge that was expunged and sealed by a court order. The man's lawyer said he is considering legal action against Blackwell for releasing private information on the Internet.
In an election season marred by ruthless attack ads and an almost complete avoidance of discussing the issues, this is a new low for the GOP and, especially, Ken Blackwell.
John McClelland, spokesman for the Ohio Republican Party, defended the charges that Strickland went on vacation with a male staffer, saying, We're not going to sit here and say whether or not we think Ted Strickland has a certain preference ' which is exactly what they're doing. The state Republican leadership is bringing up a non-issue, trying to make something of nothing in the worst possible way.
It's just not our business
he said. Our job is to try to win elections.
Whether a last ditch effort to cut Strickland's sizeable lead in the polls or simply an incompetent, underhanded and outrageous shot at Strickland's credibility, Blackwell and the Ohio GOP owe him an apology and a retraction.
They are pushing buttons they know are taboo just for the chance that Ohio voters will associate Strickland with sexual predators and pedophilia. This is a showcase of the absolute worst in politicking and Ken Blackwell has taken Ohio politics down a despicable path. 17
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Blackwell campaign uses unfounded claims, inane tactics in attempt to win governorship
