By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 2:27 AM Tuesday, August 10, 2010LEBANON — The lack of air conditioning at the Lebanon Raceway Grandstand didn’t deter more than 260 people attending the Lebanon Tea Party meeting Monday, Aug. 9 to hear from U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman.
Portman, a Cincinnati Republican who has deep roots in Warren County, squeezed in a 20-minute visit with supporters between campaign events to offer words of thanks and encouragement to his supporters and friends who are also Tea Party members.
Portman, who is running against Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, said he’s spending more time in northern Ohio because he isn’t as well known. He noted that he’s been to all 88 counties in the state and has made 59 factory tours in Ohio.
He told the audience that he’s explained to voters in northern Ohio about why the state is not getting the change promised by President Obama.
“For the next 89 days, I’m going full out,” Portman said. “It’s time for all of us to step forward.”
After 12 years in Congress representing the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Warren County, and two more years in the Bush Administration as U.S. Trade Representative and budget director, Portman said he wasn’t planning to go back in to politics.
However, two things happened that changed his mind: he saw what was happening to the nation and Sen. George Voinovich was retiring. He said his wife Jane also said he had to run or he’d be kicking himself.
He said the policies of the Obama Administration are trying to take away entrepreneurship and make it harder for small businesses to operate.
Portman explained he understands small business and entrepreneurship noting that his grandfather purchased The Golden Lamb Inn in 1926 and turned that around and that his father started a forklift equipment company.
“We have the greatest economy on the face of the world,” Portman said. “This election is going to be a watershed moment one way or the other.”
He said if he’s elected, he hopes to turn things around in Washington to help Ohio as well as be able to ensure that people can pass down a better world for their children and grandchildren.
After his comments, Portman said he believes the Senate race is a precursor to the 2012 presidential campaign. Portman said Fisher is getting a lot of help from the Democratic National Committee because they think Ohio is going to be in important in 2012.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or erichter@coxohio.com.
8/10/2010
Portman touches base with local supporters
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