Testing, one two three, testing

Television crews, including the Ohio News Network, are testing their equipment here at the Hyatt on Capitol Square about 7:40 p.m. in anticipation of Secretary of State Ken Blackwell's arrival. Running-mate Tom Raga, a state representative from Mason, also will be here.

Supporters began to arrive about 8 p.m., but we're hearing a Cleveland-area judge just ordered polls open until 9:30 there because of voting machine problems.

Blackwell's gubernatorial campaign spokesman Carlo LoParo was correct in warning reporters "limited filing space is available."

There are eight chairs for reporters here, and five are taken already. "This is one of the smallest rooms I've ever been in,'' said Doral Chenoweth, a photography editor with The Columbus Dispatch.

The triangular-shaped room, dubbed the Congressional Ballroom, measures no bigger than 50 by 70 feet, with the space for supporters about the size of a school classroom.

There's a red, white and blue Blackwell-Raga for Governor sign at the front of the room and a cash bar to the left. Beers cost $4 apiece, and wine goes for $6.25 a glass. Mixed drinks are $6.

No major eats yet, prompting ONN's Dan Wiest to comment, "The campaign is all out of money."

There are large salted pretzels and bowls of various mustards as well as salsa and chips.

"Where's the party?'' another TV reporter asked. "It's clearly not here. This is the media holding pen."

Luckily the Enquirer has a wireless computer card to send my blog items. The Hyatt's charging $375 apiece for an internet connection here.

The Columbus hotel overlooks the Statehouse and is within site of the Riffe Office Tower, the building that Blackwell aspires to work at in January.