Blackwell speaks to supporters

Here at the GOP election night party, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell, who just an hour earlier conceded to Democrat Ted Strickland:

"The clock of this election ran out on us."

"I think we were awash in a wave of change that we rode in on in 1994. We had an opportunity to lead and to stay true to our principals and put our state on a path to economic growth... and we came short. Let me suggest to you that the electorate sent us a message this evening."

"This evening the debate must change to a civil discussion."

"Ted Strickland and his team have run a good race and have won a tremendous opportunity to lead our state to a better quality of life, a stronger economy and much better days. I've called Congressman Strickland and congratulated him and extended my best wishes for a successful tenure as governor of the greatest state in the greatest country in all of human history."

"My strength as a public servant and as a leader comes from my faith," he said, telling the crowd that as he stood before them after his primary victory and praised God, "I say to you this evening in the midst of a political setback, to God be the glory."