Ohio Bill Would Restrict Elections Officer

By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
Associated Press Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio's chief elections officer would no longer be able to hold two jobs seemingly at odds - counting votes and backing candidates - under changes to an election-reform bill made public Monday.

In a jab at GOP Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, who was an honorary vice chairman in the Bush-Cheney campaign last year, some fellow Republicans want to prohibit such dual responsibilities in the future.

The proposal also prohibits the secretary of state from taking an active role on a ballot issue, although it would not affect issues already in the pipeline.