toledoblade.com: Elections chief resigns, 4 staff are suspended

toledoblade.com: "An extensive housecleaning in the Lucas County elections office was announced yesterday with Elections Director Paula Hicks-Hudson resigning and four other officials suspended pending investigation into problems with the official count of the Nov. 2 election.
The county, which certified its vote Wednesday, will have to amend its official certification with the state, in part because of an apparent failure of employees to properly do their jobs, board Chairman Bernadette Noe said.
A spokesman for Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell said yesterday that Mr. Blackwell 'continues to have grave concerns' about the performance of the county elections office, and said he will soon intercede to make changes.
'We are reviewing the election administration practices of the board, and continue to have concerns with the board staff and board members,' spokesman Carlo LoParo said.
Ms. Hicks-Hudson, who presided over almost-constant turmoil since joining the staff in May, 2002, said she plans to leave by the end of the year."