AP Enterprise: Blackwell schedule shows more contact with pastors

Posted on Sat, Mar. 11, 2006
AP Enterprise: Blackwell schedule shows more contact with pastors
ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell has met with two conservative pastors more often than alleged in an IRS complaint accusing the pastors of improper support of his campaign for governor, according to a review of documents by The Associated Press.

While the complaint looked at nine publicly reported events sponsored by the pastors, a review of Blackwell's daily schedule found 18 other meetings or other contact with the pastors, including flights on a church-owned plane, meetings in Blackwell's office and attendance at church services.

Blackwell, a Republican and favorite of conservatives, had contact with pastors Russell Johnson and Rod Parsley or their churches 27 times from January 2004 through March of this year, according to AP research, including a review of Blackwell's confidential schedule obtained through a public records request.

That's more than a third of the total number of events with a religious theme listed on Blackwell's schedule and represents the largest number of contacts with specific pastors
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http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/politics/14072098.htm