Freepreach.org - Protecting the Free Expression of All Religious Traditions
"Blackwell Schedule Lists More Contact with Two Pastors," Associated Press
On March 11, 2006, The Associated Press reported on an investigation into Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell’s contact with churches. The article, reprinted in the Columbus Post (among other papers) describes Blackwell’s contact with the pastors of two churches currently under investigation by the IRS and the dispute over church actions in support of Ohio’s gay marriage ban, for which Blackwell was a high-profile proponent:
Blackwell has been raising money for his governor’s campaign since at least 2004 but said years earlier that he planned to run . . .
He has never made a secret of the fact he is a conservative Christian who integrates his faith into his public and private life as often as possible . . .
Johnson is chairman of the Ohio Restoration Project, a group of religious conservatives that helped spearhead the gay marriage ban . . .
He said the meetings reflect his church’s association with Blackwell dating to before his run for governor and including Blackwell’s support of the gay marriage ban . . .
"I have never in a public gathering said, ‘Vote for Ken Blackwell,’ " Johnson said. "I have affirmed his strong stands for life, marriage and, candidly, low taxes" . . .