« A (Slightly Incendiary) Question For Readers: Deja Vu? | Home | Rep. Kendrick Meek Announces Campaign For Senator From Florida »
Portman Holds Press Conference To Announce That He Will Make An Announcement
Rob Portman, the former Ohio Congressman who is widely viewed as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for the newly-open Senate seat, just held a press conference to announce...that he might be making an announcement tomorrow.
To be specific, Portman said he's "leaning toward deciding to run," but also that he needs more time to speak with people around Ohio and make a decision. The decision itself could come as soon as tomorrow.
With GOP Sen. George Voinovich retiring, this is going to be a top Democratic target in 2010. Should Portman actually run, which still seems to be the most likely scenario, he should be viewed as a formidable candidate for the Republicans in this perennial swing state.
Advertisement
Damn, I was hoping it was Natalie Portman..
January 13, 2009 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
As Chris Matthews would say: HA!
January 13, 2009 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Portman faces an obvious electability issue: Not only does he have an extensive (professional and personal) relationship with George W. Bush, but he helped craft the economic policies of the Bush Administration’s second term! In other words, he can be tied in to what voters like least about Bush, and Democrats are sure to have a field day with Portman’s connections to Bush. (Full analysis on Campaign Diaries.)
January 13, 2009 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's certainly true. But he's also an unbelieveably smooth politician. The dude could sell a popsicle to a woman in white gloves. He should be considered a big threat to that seat.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
January 13, 2009 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Imagine the battle royale over trade if the race turns out to be Bush's ex-USTR and Marcy Kaptur? Somehow, in Ohio, that's not one that will to Portman's advantage.
January 13, 2009 11:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Looking forward to this!
January 13, 2009 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Eric, love the humor!
January 13, 2009 10:43 AM | Reply | Permalink