Of all the vulnerable Senate Republicans clinging to the fantasy that they can run away from Donald Trump, the clingiest has to be Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). This is the guy who was doggedly endorsing John Kasich, 20 minutes before Kasich dropped out. That's what's making this extra super-duper delicious.
A senior Trump campaign source said Wednesday that the campaign's early favorites for vice president are now New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.
Portman's challenger, Ted Strickland, was quick to pounce (via email):
“It’s no surprise that Donald Trump wants Senator Portman to be his Vice President because on many issues Trump and Portman share the same toxic agenda: both oppose a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions, higher wages for for working people, and have a record of pushing the agenda of the wealthy and well-connected at Ohio’s expense. And by refusing to do his job and consider the Supreme Court nominee, Portman has also made it clear that he’s happy to let Trump reshape the Supreme court for generations. On the other hand, Portman’s status as the ultimate Washington insider and his unabashed, decades-long support for job-killing trade deals may disqualify him from this position in Trump’s view. Only time will tell.”
Sums it up pretty well. Every one of these Republican incumbents is going to try to run away from Donald Trump. Everyone of them is going to pretend that his GOP is not the Republican party that they belong to. And everyone of them is going to fail. Welcome to Trumpland, Rob Portman.
Please give $3 to help Ted Strickland send Rob Portman packing.