Blackwell backs Alito

Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, a Cincinnati Republican, plans to be in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to call for the speedy U.S. Senate confirmation of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Blackwell spokesman Carlo LoParo said that Blackwell will join a Coalition of African-American pastors during a noon press conference in the First Amendment Room of the National Press Club.

Blackwell, a candidate for Ohio governor, will cite Alito's "impeccable record as a staunch defender of civil and religious liberties,'' according to LoParo.