Sen. Rob Portman released a new ad Thursday talking up his efforts to combat heroin addiction and sharing a personal story of one of his supporters.
The ad, set to run statewide in Ohio, shares the story of Tonda DaRe, who lost her 21-year-old daughter almost four years ago to heroin addiction, and praises Portman’s efforts to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which passed the Senate in a bipartisan effort in early March.
“The heroin epidemic is killing our kids and destroying our communities. And the only person that I’ve seen standing up there is Rob. He gives as much time, energy, and love to this as any of us parents who have lost. And that is a rare quality,” DaRe said. “He truly listens and tries to implement plans that make a difference. CARA is such an important step in what’s happening. I know it will save lives. I am so thankful that we have Rob on our side on this.”
Portman’s campaign is putting $1.1 million behind the ad, which is the latest part of a $15 million ad buy the campaign made starting on June 1 that will run through election day.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Portman’s bill, which passed in a 94-1 vote, authorizes Congress to spend $725 million to enhance drug treatment programs. DaRe herself pushed for the Senate to back the bill by speaking on its behalf before the Senate Judiciary Committee in January.
Portman has made the issue of drug addiction one of his top issues during his reelection fight. His first three ads, which were released last week, all focused on the issue.
