Blackwell's victory speech: 'All the glory is God's'

J. Kenneth Blackwell, Republican primary candidate for governor, center, greets his supporters as he walks into the party to deliver his victory speech, Tuesday, May 2, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio. At left is his wife Rosa, superintendent of the Cincinnati Public Schools. (Photo by Kiichiro Sato/The Associated Press)

Five minutes to 11'clock and J. Kenneth Blackwell came to the podium.

Lara Mastin, chairwoman of Ohioans for Blackwell, introduced him.

"This is just the beginning," Mastin said. "We're going all the way."

With about 200 supporters looking on Ken Blackwell said, "We are going to cut the tax burden. We are going to change the economic climate. Ours is an agenda of progress and job creation. We are going to say (to those who have left Ohio) 'Come on back home.'''

"Message to Brother Strickland,'' Blackwell said, to which one fan replied, "He's no brother."

The Republican winner continued, "You can run but you can't hide. We're coming right at ya. We're coming right at ya. We respect change. We respect the future. There is no retreat in our bones."

Blackwell said you wouldn't know the real Blackwell was standing here if he didn't say, "All the glory is God's.''

"Ohioans deserve a better future and the Blackwell-Raga team intends to lead us all to it,'' he said, before extending an invitation for party unity. "It's now time for us as a party to get Ohio growing again.''

Blackwell said he looks forward to posting signs along the state's highways with Lt. Gov. Tom Raga "that Ohio is open for business again."

He thanked everyone for their talent, their treasures and prayers. He was joined on stage by his wife, Rosa, their two daughters, and runningmate Raga's family.

A few minutes later, U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine and his wife took the stage to thank supporters.

And Republican Auditor Betty D. Montgomery just arrived, too.

"I'm glad it's over. It's on to November,'' she said of her bid to return to her attorney general's job, which she held for two four-year terms.

"I'm going to try to do the best I can. I've never had to be in a negative race,'' she said, anticipating a lively general election campaign against Democratic state Sen. Marc Dann.

"I'm not afraid to define myself. I'm not afraid to defend myself,'' she said.