Kenneth Blackwell

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Ken Blackwell – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Ken Blackwell (born February 28, 1948) is an American Republican politician, former Ohio Secretary of State and State Treasurer, and conservative activist. Explore his biography, political journey, key controversies, legacy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

John Kenneth “Ken” Blackwell is a prominent figure in Ohio and national Republican politics, whose influence spans local government, state executive roles, electoral administration, and conservative advocacy. Born February 28, 1948, Blackwell has built a career marked by ambitious runs for higher office, strong social conservative positions, and contentious episodes over election oversight. He remains active in ideological and faith-based political circles.

This article covers his early life, political rise, achievements and controversies, his philosophy, legacy, and some notable quotes.

Early Life, Education & Background

Ken Blackwell was born on February 28, 1948 in Alliance, Ohio, though he was raised in Cincinnati.

His parents were Dana (a part-time nurse) and George Blackwell (a meatpacker). Samuel Ach Junior High School and later Hughes High School.

Blackwell earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xavier University in Cincinnati. He received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (1970) and a Master of Education (1971).

He was once recruited to try out for the Dallas Cowboys, but declined when asked to change his position from linebacker to offensive line.

Before full political engagement, Blackwell taught at Xavier University from 1974 until 1991.

He is the nephew of DeHart Hubbard, the first African American to win an individual Olympic gold medal (in long jump, 1924).

Political Career & Offices Held

Local Politics & Early Steps

Blackwell first engaged in politics through Cincinnati’s Charter Committee and later won a seat on the Cincinnati City Council. Mayor of Cincinnati (1979–1980) in a largely ceremonial role.

State Roles: Treasurer & Secretary of State

In 1994, Governor George Voinovich appointed Blackwell to fill the vacant Ohio State Treasurer post (previously held by Mary Ellen Withrow). He later won election in his own right and served until 1999.

In 1999, Blackwell became Ohio Secretary of State, serving until 2007 (two full terms).

Gubernatorial Run & Later Roles

In 2006, Blackwell secured the Republican nomination for Governor of Ohio, becoming the first African American nominated by a major party for that office in Ohio.

Beyond electoral roles, Blackwell has been active in conservative advocacy. He is a Senior Fellow for Family Empowerment at the Family Research Council. Executive Committee of the Council for National Policy and has been a voice in national Republican circles.

He co-authored books such as Rebuilding America: A Prescription for Creating Strong Families, Building the Wealth of Working People, and Ending Welfare (2006) and The Blueprint: Obama’s Plan to Subvert the Constitution and Build an Imperial Presidency (2010).

Major Actions & Controversies

Role as Election Administrator & 2004 Election

As Ohio Secretary of State, Blackwell’s oversight of the 2004 presidential election brought intense scrutiny. Because Ohio was pivotal, decisions about provisional ballots, deadlines, and voter registration rules were heavily contested.

One key controversy: Blackwell directed that poll workers refuse to distribute provisional ballots unless they were satisfied of a voter’s residence. Democrats challenged that as disenfranchisement of minority voters. A U.S. district court struck down the policy.

Another controversial episode: In 2006, Blackwell’s office inadvertently published Social Security numbers of voters in a database—first 1.2 million, then later 5.7 million on computer disks shared under FOIA rules.

Blackwell was also criticized for owning shares in Diebold, a company producing voting machines for the state, while his office negotiated contracts with them. He sold the shares at a loss, saying the purchases were by a financial manager without his knowledge. Critics alleged a conflict of interest.

During his gubernatorial campaign, he was accused of awarding illegal bonuses to employees of his office and failing to fully disclose donor-contractor relationships.

Policy Positions & Social Conservatism

Blackwell has held strong socially conservative views. For example:

• He supported keeping Terri Schiavo on life support on the grounds of the sanctity of life.

• Initially, he allowed some abortion exceptions (when the mother’s life is at risk), but later adopted more restrictive stances.

• He has championed gun rights, receiving support from the NRA and endorsements from gun rights groups.

• On economic policy, he advocates lower taxes, fiscal restraint, and smaller government, frequently criticizing “out-of-control spending.”

Philosophy & Style

Blackwell’s public persona combines advocacy, faith, and ideology. He is known for:

• A strong belief in traditional family values and conservative social policies.

• A view that government should be limited, with emphasis on personal responsibility and free markets.

• Aggressive defense of electoral rules and oversight as core to protecting election integrity (though critics accuse overreach).

• A communication style that is bold and unapologetic, often courting controversy rather than avoiding it.

He also integrates his Christian faith into his political work, aligning with religious conservative organizations.

Legacy & Influence

Ken Blackwell’s legacy is highly contested. Some of the key ways his actions will be remembered:

1. Electoral administration as political battleground
   His tenure as Ohio Secretary of State highlighted how much power state election officials hold in close races—and how oversight decisions become central to national politics.

2. Advancement of social conservatism in Republican politics
   As an African American Republican with strong cultural and religious stances, he became a voice in efforts to broaden conservative coalitions.

3. Controversies as cautionary tales
   The missteps over voter access, data privacy, and potential conflicts raise ongoing debates about accountability in office.

4. Influence beyond public office
   Through his affiliations with FRC and conservative networks, Blackwell continues to influence policy debates, especially in conservative legal and family theory circles.

5. Groundbreaker in Ohio politics
   He was the first African American nominated by a major party for Ohio governor.

His name continues to evoke discussions of election law, state authority, and the role of social conservatism in modern Republican identity.

Notable Quotes

Here are several quotes attributed to Ken Blackwell that reflect his beliefs and rhetorical frame:

“In order to spur economic growth we need to put the brakes on out of control spending, lower Ohioans tax burden and create a most efficient and effective government.”

“Job creation requires a business friendly environment with a tax structure that is not punitive and a state government designed for efficient use of fewer tax dollars.”

“The reason it takes us from November the second to December the sixth to certify is because we have a very tedious, very comprehensive process where we audit by precinct, across the state, every vote that was cast to make sure that every vote that was legally cast is counted.”

“And we have the most scrutinized election system in the United States, and we have met every test.”

“They reality is that we have 70% of our voters use a punch card system that I tried to change and that bipartisan resistance in the legislature stopped.”

“We’ve become a culture where earning money doesn't entitle you to it, but wanting it does. That is the essence of redistribution.”

These quotes underscore recurring themes: government spending restraint, accountability in elections, skepticism of redistribution, and the importance he places on structural systems.

Lessons from Ken Blackwell’s Life

1. State and local offices can influence national outcomes
   Blackwell’s ability to shape the 2004 Ohio election shows how pivotal state administrative roles can be in determining broader political results.

2. Ethics and transparency are vital for legitimacy
   Controversies involving data mishandling, conflict of interest, and election policy highlight the need for clear ethical guardrails in public service.

3. Identity and ideology can intersect powerfully
   As an African American in the Republican Party holding strong conservative views, Blackwell challenges stereotyped narratives and shows ideological diversity within demographic groups.

4. Boldness brings scrutiny
   His assertive style and willingness to fight legal battles (e.g. over election rules) attracted both support and criticism—risk and reward are intertwined in public life.

5. Legacy is contested
   A public career that mixes achievement, controversy, and ideological activism illustrates how history will judge factors beyond just titles won.