Former Ohio official Blackwell appears in anti-Obama ad

WASHINGTON  Ohio's former secretary of state is featured in an ad that began airing this week in criticism of presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

The ad from the conservative group Citizens United is on Fox News promoting a video documentary of Obama. It features former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell decrying Obama's policies and his coverage by the news media.

Blackwell is a controversial figure in U.S. election history. Under his oversight in Ohio, many allege the African-American community was largely disenfranchised, unable to cast their votes in the 2004 general election.

Also featured in the ad are Republican strategist the Rev. Joe Watkins and political analysts Tucker Carlson and Dick Morris.

The group airing the ad is organized under IRS rules that permits it to keep donors anonymous.

Obama would be the country's first black president if elected in November.

Blackwell, a Republican, also has served as Ohio's treasurer. He is now a conservative columnist and commentator.

With wire services.