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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2009 > March > 20
Friday, March 20, 2009
Blackwell endorses Portman for U.S. Senate
It wasn’t exactly unexpected but it’s probably good news for Ohio Republicans that Ken Blackwell on Friday, March 20, endorsed Rob Portman in the 2010 U.S. Senate race for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.
“Rob Portman is a principled and experienced leader with a solid conservative record,” Blackwell said in a press release from Portman’s campaign. “He has been a strong voice for sound fiscal policy, and we need him in the U.S. Senate in these tumultuous economic times.”
In the press release, Portman called Blackwell a “respected conservative leader who has a distinguished career in public service” and also a long-time friend.
Blackwell’s endorsement appeared to be another sign that Republicans are uniting around Portman for the Senate race, although Auditor Mary Taylor remains a possible candidate for the GOP nomination.
Democrats, meanwhile, appear to be at the start of a mad scramble for the nomination involving Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, state Rep. Tyrone Yates of Cincinnati and probably others.
Blackwell is the former Ohio secretary of state, unsuccessful candidate for governor in 2006 and most recently a loser in the race to become chairman of the Republican National Committee. He also is a favorite of social conservatives.
Both Blackwell and Portman are from the Cincinnati area. Portman is a former U.S. House member who also served as trade representative and budget director under President George W. Bush.
