It's official: Blackwell endorsed by Right to Life, too.

Continuing what he called the unbroken chain of Right to Life support he has received over his 30-years career in public service, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell announced today that he, too, received the endorsement of the Cincinnati Right-to-Life Political Action Committee this week.

"They're spinning you, Jon,'' Gene Pierce, Blackwell's campaign spokesman told an Enquirer reporter Tuesday night when Blackwell rival Jim Petro tried to pre-empt the dual endorsement by publicizing his first. (Indeed, I got played!)

Paula Westwood, executive director of Right-To-Life of Greater Cincinnati said, "Ken Blackwell has a long, proven record as a champion for the rights of all innocent human beings regardless of size, age, race, residence, or abilities. He is a leader of integrity who has never compromised his pro-life commitment.

"Ken Blackwell consistently demonstrates deep respect for the basic moral principle of the the right to life for all human beings identified in the U.S. Declaration of Independence. He has repeatedly upheld this right in the political and legal arenas."

The Cincinnati group also endorsed Petro and Democratic candidate Bryan Flannery. But Mike Hernon, Blackwell campaign manager reminded voters of Petro’s "all too recent pro-choice past.''

"Some have questioned the timing of Jim’s conversion,'' Hernon said. "Ken Blackwell will be one of the strongest pro-life governors in Ohio’s history.”