The Occasional Observer

Ohio is an essential state for a GOP presidential victory, and retaining that statehouse is of the utmost importance to the future of a Republican majority. Below are my reasons why I'd like to see conservatives do all they can to get Secretary Blackwell elected as Governor Blackwell.

1) A good man, a real conservative

Not only is he right on the issues, but he's willing to be outspoken on social issues that some Republicans equivocate on. He's front and center about how liberalism is tearing at the fabric of society. The New Yorker posted a story about Sec. Blackwell today (no doubt to show how 'dangerous' he is to their readers), and had this example:

At an Ohio Restoration Project rally in a church outside Columbus, in March, he gave what amounted to a sermon about the obligation of Christians to "serve and engage." There are, he said, "social, cultural, and political forces that have tried to run God, faith, and religion out of the public square."

2) He appeals to every GOP camp

He would unite the broad spectrum of Republican ideologies: he's a social conservative, a tax reformer, and a balanced-budget advocate. Consider how the same story summarized his ideology, and ask yourself if this sounds like a candidate that you would support:

Blackwell, a six-foot-four African-American former college football star, is a thoroughgoing conservative. He's a supply-sider who for years has advocated a flat tax and a constitutional limit on state spending. His views on abortion, gay marriage, school vouchers, and stem-cell research coincide with those of the religious right, and his position on concealed weapons with that of the N.R.A.

That pretty much rattles off everything I like to know about a candidate. If you're a conservative Republican like me, chances are you agree with most of Blackwell's positions, too.

3) He is a strong campaigner and has the mentality of a leader

He has an aggressive, confident demeanor that is well suited to leadership and converting voters to the conservative cause. And he is a personality that energizes people. From the article:

Blackwell can be a mesmerizing speaker...

His big, deep voice filled the sanctuary, and, speaking without notes, he cited chapter and verse of the Bible. His delivery had members of the audience, which was almost entirely white, shouting out "Amen!" and interrupting his performance with bursts of applause.

And again,

The night of the primary, he said, "Message to Brother Strickland: You can run but you can't hide. We're coming right atcha. We represent change, we represent the future, and there is no retreat in our bones."

Not mealy-mouthed. Patton-esque, as a leader should be.

4) His success could impact more than just Ohio

He would be a potent figure on the national scene, potentially an '08 VP or '12 or '16 Presidential nominee. And there is at least a chance, a chance well worth taking, that an articulate black conservative like Sec. Blackwell could help change the very landscape of race affiliation in American politics. It's certainly hard to break through decades of old habits, but after the clear failure of the Democratic party to deliver to their African-American constituency, there is at least an opportunity for Blackwell (or, to a lesser extent, any Republican) to break through the Dem stranglehold.

I've seen the most recent polls. I know he's down big right now. But don't forget three things: (1) he's not tied to the problems of the OH GOP establishment other than simply being a Republican; (2)he's appealing to the same set of evangelical and values voters that pollsters missed in OH heading into 2004 (Rove's 'increase the turnout' strategy that left Dems happy in the afternoon and miserable in the evening); and (3) as the candidates start to go head-to-head, he's going to generate a lot of forward momentum, as his vibrancy is juxtaposed with Ted Strickland's staleness.

Let's not give up on Sec. Blackwell. I'm making my contribution to his campaign. I hope you all would consider doing so as well.


Cross-posted at RedState.com