This is great news. Conservative former Congressman Rob Portman would be a *huge* upgrade over Voinovich, and he’s as strong a candidate as the GOP can muster for a statewide race in OH (with the arguable exception of John Kasich).
Although I’d like to see Blackwell take a run, if the party unifies behind Portman and the Dems have a nasty battle, we might hold this seat.
Actually, this isn’t a great development. Rob Portmas has little name I.D outside of Cincinnati, and he is closely identified with the Bush White House.
Certainly that he was a Bush OMB director will be used against him. He wisely got the hell out of there quick. Possibly because he disagreed with huge spending which if true he needs to talk about.
Kasich has that more ‘independant image’ and can point to having a lot to do with the first balanced federal budject in 10000 (was it 30?) years. But there was his boring show on Fox and his love for Gary Condit. But I think he’d make a good Senator as would Portman.
I’d love to see Blackwell run if he loses the Chairmanship race. But would he be hurt by his 06 beatdown?
We certainly don’t need a bitter primary. I’d also like someone to stand against Strickland even though last I checked he has Frank Laushe popularity.
Winning downballot races like SEC OF STATE!!! and taking back the state house are vital for Ohio Republicans in 2010 or else redistricting could be painful.