Trump names Ohio GOP maverick Ken Blackwell a transition leader

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Republican selected by president-elect Donald Trump to lead his domestic transition is an outspoken conservative with a history as a party maverick.

Ken Blackwell prevailed in an intraparty feud in 2006 to become Ohio’s first black nominee for governor. He also took on fellow Republicans in the state Legislature while serving in statewide office as state treasurer and secretary of state.

Blackwell’s role on the transition team appeared on an organizational chart obtained by The Associated Press.

A Republican with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press today that Blackwell has been at work for Trump since the summer, vetting potential appointees for U.S. domestic agencies.

The person wasn’t authorized to disclose the details publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Republican said it was unclear whether Blackwell would be considered for, or willing to accept, an administration position.

He currently lives in Cincinnati, where he is a former mayor, with his wife, Rosa, a retired schools superintendent.