In Ohio, Portman Indicates He Will Run Statewide in Near Future

[Adlai Stevenson]

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that former congressman and Bush administration official Rob Portman's (R) new job at a law firm will allow him "to continue traveling Ohio, giving speeches and laying the groundwork for a possible 2010 run for Ohio governor or the U.S. Senate." He has already started his own political action committee for the 2008 election cycle.

On challenging Gov. Ted Strickland (D): "That would almost certainly mean a primary fight for Portman because other well-known Republicans - including former congressman John Kasich and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine - are also considering running."

On running for Sen. Voinovich (R)'s seat: "Portman said that if Ohio's senior senator, George Voinovich, decides not to run for re-election in 2010, he would consider that race as well. But Voinovich has said he plans to run; and Portman is scheduled to co-host a fundraiser for Voinovich in Cincinnati next month."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2007/11/09/in_ohio_portman_indicates_he_will_run_statewide_in_near_future.html

Could this man be the saviour of the Ohio GOP?  If Voinovich and Strickland run for re-election in 2010 he may not have a chance to run for anything until 2012 when Sherrod Brown is up.  If present trends continue, Voinovich could lose re-election while Strickland will almost certainly win it.  Portman might be better off challenging Voinovich in a Republican Primary than Strickland in the general election; although fundraising for him isn't a good start for that. 

[MarkWarner08]

Isn't Voinvoich something of an instituution in Ohio? He was quite popular in heavily Democratic Cleveland -- he even beat Dennis Kucincih to become Mayor.  Voinovich has a lso crafted a moderate profile that serves him well statewide. Democrats seem to like him, independent trust him and most Republicans mildly support him.

While his moderate stands could him in a GOP primary, I find it hard to foresee a scenario in which Voinovich is defeated. Barring a Ted Strickland run for the Senate, Voinovich is safe.

Maybe Portman should challenge the Wicked Witch of Cincinatti in 2008.  Since Schimdt is a poor fundraiser and an even worse campaigner, Portman could parachute back into his home district a couple months before the election. If he defeated Schmidt, who's become the Helen Chenoweth of the 21st century, he'd be hailed by Republicans for ensuring that CD-01 stays off Democratic target lists. As Congressman, Portman would regain his seniority and would now have a power base for a future run for the Senate.

It's simply a matter of patience and risk-taking. If Portman decides to challenge a repugnant Republican in the primary, he risks frittering away some of his long-standing good will. If his challenger proves successful, he'll likely be the strongest GOP candidate to topple Sherrod Brown, who remains far to the left of most Ohio voters.

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

If present trends continue, Voinovich could lose re-election while Strickland will almost certainly win it.

That's one hell of a big assumption.  Three years is an eternity.

[Padfoot]

If present trends continue, Voinovich could lose re-election while Strickland will almost certainly win it.

That's one hell of a big assumption.  Three years is an eternity.

I agree.

Also, I'd really love to see Portman take back OH-2 but I doubt it will happen.  Its obvious that he is going for higher office and jumping into the fray in OH-2 is probably the last thing he wants to do.  I really hope Schmidt loses her primary this year so we can stop talking about her and the district in general.  Although if she survives both the primary and general again this year there is a possibility that the national Democrats will stop wasting money there on Victoria Wulsin.

[Brittain33]

Isn't Voinvoich something of an instituution in Ohio? He was quite popular in heavily Democratic Cleveland -- he even beat Dennis Kucincih to become Mayor.  Voinovich has a lso crafted a moderate profile that serves him well statewide. Democrats seem to like him, independent trust him and most Republicans mildly support him.

That used to be the case, but Voinovich's reputation has taken a dive along with the rest of the Ohio GOP. Survey USA gave him a 41%/49% approval/disapproval in October. His numbers are fairly steady across Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, which means he could lose a Republican primary. His GOP numbers are 48%/43%.

[Kushahontas]

natalie is my favorite portman