Judge tells Blackwell to consider firm's bid

9/4/2003

COLUMBUS - A judge ordered Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell yesterday to consider another bid by a vendor Mr. Blackwell dismissed as a potential supplier for new voting machines to Ohio's county boards of election.

Mr. Blackwell said he would immediately appeal the ruling by Judge Fred Shoemaker of the Ohio Court of Claims.

The order prevents choosing a vendor until Mr. Blackwell considers another offer from Sequoia Voting Systems, Inc., The Oakland, Calif., company said it was shut out of the negotiations with Mr. Blackwell's office without being allowed a chance to make a “best and final offer,” which Mr. Blackwell disputes.