THIS IS A THINKING VOTER'S ELECTION. The issues vying for our attention are changing daily -- The war in Iraq, the North Korean nuclear crisis, Immigration, Congressional scandals, Minimum Wage, Health Care, Education. . .

What's at stake? Control of the Congress, the Governor's office in 36 states, and a lead in mind-share in the battle for the Presidency in 2008 is at stake. There are cross-over strategies everywhere, as each party chooses the battles they want to fight, and the battles they must win.

What are your priorities? How will you vote on the issues? Who will lead the fight for YOUR PRIORITIES in this election. The election for governor in Ohio is a most interesting case to notice. In the interest of full disclosure, I am an independent voter. I have never registered with any political party. I have always valued the choice to vote in my self-interests, regardless of party labels. So, however I vote, my vote isn't a cross-over or a sellout vote. I have my preferences like everyone else, and I make up my mind based on my personal preferences.

The Case for Ken Blackwell

History of leadership and advocacy for Black and minority interests.
Blackwell has been an educator, entrepreneur, a member of City Council, the Mayor of Cincinnati, Undersecretary of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Ambassador, State Treasurer, and the current Secretary of State.

As Mayor of Cincinnati
Blackwell crafted several pieces of legislation and one requiring banks to disclose their lending practices as it pertains to blacks and minorities.

As State Treasurer
Ken Blackwell made history by becoming the first African American elected to statewide office and looks to make history as Ohio's first African American Governor. As Ohio Treasurer, Blackwell diversified the state's money, investing more than the quota in MBE's, and spent over 40% with minority businesses.

As Secretary of State
As Secretary of State, Blackwell's staff is 34.6 % Black, and 46% of his Directors are Black. The Secretary of State spends over 50% with minority businesses.

The Economy
Ken Blackwell is a fiscal conservative. He proposes legislation to streamline Ohio's tax code to generate $4-6 billion from leasing the Ohio Turnpike to invest in urban centers and schools. He has a plan to provide Healthcare insurance for all citizens of Ohio, and sets forth a policy that will ensure 65 cents of every dollar spent on education is pent directly on classroom instruction to set a higher standard for education in Ohio. He is a strong advocate for policies that support small business owners, noting that 80% of all new jobs come from small businesses.

Clear Choices
This election comes down to clear choices for me. Ken Blackwell has often bucked the Republican Party to make choices based on his beliefs. As such, he doesn't enjoy unified support of the Republican Party. The Reverend Floyd Flake, President of Wilberforce University, and former Democratic Congressman is a co-chairman of Ken Blackwell's campaign. Each of us must make a clear choice based on the leadership record, and our self- interests. For me, that choice in Ohio is Ken Blackwell. I only have one voice, and one vote. What choices will you make on election day?

A friend of mine put it this way: "When an opportunity arises, it must be seized. On November 7, we will have a rare opportunity to make history by electing Ken Blackwell as the next Governor of the State of Ohio. We must not let this opportunity slip away."

Roger Madison
CEO, iZania