Free Republic

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will back former Ohio Republican Party chairwoman Jane Timken as his chosen successor in an attempt to boost her through a crowded GOP field later this year. In a statement released Wednesday, Portman said Timken would be the candidate best positioned to keep his seat in Republican hands in the midterm elections. “I believe Jane Timken is the best candidate to advance conservative Republican policies to help Ohio workers and families. Jane is smart and hard working, and understand the needs of Ohioans,” Portman said. “I am confident in her ability to win both the primary...

CANTON — The Timken Co. didn’t load the dice with the group of workers selected to ride on President Bush’s campaign bus. At least two of the Steelworkers chosen have little or no inclination to vote for Bush in November. When Bush came to Ohio on Saturday, his motorcade started in Cleveland and picked up 10 Timken employees in Akron. They talked with the president during the ride to Canton. Timken spokesman Jason Saragian said the company’s only role was selecting the employees for the event. Half were salaried and half were union workers. “We looked for associates to represent...