THROWING IN THE CAMPAIGN TOWEL-- State Treasurer J. Kenneth Blackwell gestures during a news conference concerning the 1997 accomplishments of his department, at the Rhodes Tower, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1997. Blackwell announced today that he is withdrawing from the GOP gubenatorial race . The Cincinnati republican will face State Rep. Charleta Taveris, D-Columbus, for the office of, Secretary of State. FILE PHOTO.