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Do IT this week: Layering
By Stephanie Warsmith
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 08:42 p.m. EDT, Oct 29, 2009
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman thinks his experience in Washington and business background make him the best candidate to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.
''I would not be in this U.S. Senate race if I did not believe that I had the experience to enable me to be effective on Day 1 for Ohio families,'' Portman said Thursday during a speech at the Akron Press Club.
Portman served in Congress for 12 years, then as trade representative and director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush. He is an attorney, a professor at Ohio State University and co-owner of the historic Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon.
Portman, one of two Republicans in the 2010 race, said Voinovich encouraged him to run for the seat. He said he decided to run because of the challenges Ohio is facing, including high unemployment and job losses.
''I believe I can help restore Ohio to greatness,'' he said.
Portman doesn't think the recent actions that Congress and President Barack Obama have taken, including the federal stimulus bill, have helped the economy as promised. He also thinks legislation under consideration would further hurt small businesses, which he said are vital to the state's economy.
When asked about his association with Bush, which some view negatively, Portman said he stands by his record and isn't focused on the past.
''I'm talking about the future — how can we get out of this mess?'' he said.
Portman, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, has been working to increase his name recognition in other parts of the state. He said he has visited 66 of Ohio's 88 counties.
His stops have included the Labor Day parade in Barberton, which he said was the largest parade his campaign could find in this part of Ohio, with about 8,000 in attendance. He found them to be friendly, even though this is not a Republican-friendly area.
Portman also recently visited Twinsburg and met with Mayor Katherine Procop to discuss the future of the Chrysler stamping plant.
After his speech, Portman talked to a political science insight class at the University of Akron's Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
Portman hired Robert Paduchik, a Bliss graduate and Tallmadge native, as his campaign manager.
Paduchik, who has been involved in politics for 23 years, met Portman when he first ran for Congress. Paduchik said he agreed to join the campaign because he thinks Portman would ''make a difference for Ohio.''
''At this critical time, we need his leadership and experience,'' said Paduchik, who is splitting his time between his home in Washington, D.C., and the campaign trail in Ohio.
All four Senate candidates will address the press club. Tom Ganley, the other GOP candidate and owner of 32 auto dealerships, including three in Summit County, spoke earlier this month.
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will have her turn Thursday, followed by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher on Dec. 8.
Brunner and Fisher are the Democratic candidates.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman thinks his experience in Washington and business background make him the best candidate to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.
''I would not be in this U.S. Senate race if I did not believe that I had the experience to enable me to be effective on Day 1 for Ohio families,'' Portman said Thursday during a speech at the Akron Press Club.
Portman served in Congress for 12 years, then as trade representative and director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush. He is an attorney, a professor at Ohio State University and co-owner of the historic Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon.
Portman, one of two Republicans in the 2010 race, said Voinovich encouraged him to run for the seat. He said he decided to run because of the challenges Ohio is facing, including high unemployment and job losses.
''I believe I can help restore Ohio to greatness,'' he said.
Portman doesn't think the recent actions that Congress and President Barack Obama have taken, including the federal stimulus bill, have helped the economy as promised. He also thinks legislation under consideration would further hurt small businesses, which he said are vital to the state's economy.
When asked about his association with Bush, which some view negatively, Portman said he stands by his record and isn't focused on the past.
''I'm talking about the future — how can we get out of this mess?'' he said.
Portman, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, has been working to increase his name recognition in other parts of the state. He said he has visited 66 of Ohio's 88 counties.
His stops have included the Labor Day parade in Barberton, which he said was the largest parade his campaign could find in this part of Ohio, with about 8,000 in attendance. He found them to be friendly, even though this is not a Republican-friendly area.
Portman also recently visited Twinsburg and met with Mayor Katherine Procop to discuss the future of the Chrysler stamping plant.
After his speech, Portman talked to a political science insight class at the University of Akron's Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
Portman hired Robert Paduchik, a Bliss graduate and Tallmadge native, as his campaign manager.
Paduchik, who has been involved in politics for 23 years, met Portman when he first ran for Congress. Paduchik said he agreed to join the campaign because he thinks Portman would ''make a difference for Ohio.''
''At this critical time, we need his leadership and experience,'' said Paduchik, who is splitting his time between his home in Washington, D.C., and the campaign trail in Ohio.
All four Senate candidates will address the press club. Tom Ganley, the other GOP candidate and owner of 32 auto dealerships, including three in Summit County, spoke earlier this month.
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will have her turn Thursday, followed by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher on Dec. 8.
Brunner and Fisher are the Democratic candidates.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Bedford, OH
Posted 11:45 AM, 10/30/2009
Portman said he decided to run because of the challenges Ohio is facing, including high unemployment and job losses.
As US Trade Ambassador and congressman he crafted, voted for and shepherded 24 UNFAIR trade agreements through the U.S.House. At an estimated loss of 3 million U.S. jobs (200,000 from Ohio.
Portman has done a lot of damage in just 15 years. he is unapologetic and therefore unworthy of higher office.
NO CAREER POLITICIANS. The peter principle should no longer apply to U.S. Senate.
Vote TOM GANLEY for U. S. Senate and get America back to Business.
www,tomganley.com
Munroe Falls, Oh
Posted 01:47 PM, 10/30/2009
GOPFlame, Is that the same guy that owns the foreign car dealerships? Just wondering.
Bedford, OH
Posted 08:16 PM, 10/30/2009
Hey IT. Just curious, what kind of car do you drive?
