Congress asks Blackwell to detail election

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A former Ohio elections official says he has declined a congressional panel's request he appear to discuss alleged problems with the 2004 presidential election.

The House Judiciary Committee wants former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell to testify about alleged election discrepancies in Ohio four years ago, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Blackwell's testimony on the topic of "voter suppression" was to take place next Friday in front of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, according to a letter sent to the former Ohio state official.

Blackwell confirmed he had received the panel's request but noted "my schedule will not permit me to attend the hearings."

The Enquirer's political blog, Politics Extra, said that if Blackwell does not agree to discuss the voter concerns regarding long lines and flawed ballots during the 2004 election, he could be subpoenaed to testify.