Blackwell Will Not Run for Senate Seat

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (R) will not run for Senate, he told the Daily Caller today. Despite leading in early polling, Blackwell decided that he did not want to “make ‘nice’ with folks with whom I would rather not.” He also hinted at some animosity with the Republican establishment, saying that “the GOP establishment has never been able to grasp” the depth of Blackwell’s support. Blackwell’s departure is good news for state Treasurer Josh Mandel (R), a 33-year-old Iraq War veteran who is hoping to take on Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) next year.

from Chris Cillizza @ the Washington Post