Ohio Ministers, Acting as Individuals, Endorse Candidate
by Kay Guinane, 8/30/2006
This looks like a false challenge to the IRS, since the event complied with IRS rules. The Aug. 29 Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:
Ministers back Blackwell, challenge IRS
Columbus - A national coalition of Christian ministers threw down the gauntlet Monday, endorsing Secretary of State Ken Blackwell for governor and challenging an IRS crackdown on political activities by churches.
Implored by the Rev. Russell Johnson of Fairfield Christian Church in Lancaster to "show your heart," the 28 ministers calling themselves Clergy for Blackwell said they had a legal right and moral responsibility to endorse the Republican secretary over Democratic Rep. Ted Strickland. The group noted the candidates' contrasting positions on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and placement of the Ten Commandments in public buildings....
Asked about the endorsements, IRS spokesman Chris Kerns declined to comment. Donald Tobin, who teaches courses on tax-exempt organizations at Ohio State University, said he saw nothing improper. He said the event was not held on church property and didn't employ church resources and the pastors emphasized they were speaking as individuals.
