Rob Portman is frequently mentioned as a possible vice presidential nominee for John McCain. If you believe Bob Novak, he’s the favorite. The biggest reason is that he is seen as giving McCain a big boost in the critical state of Ohio. Rasmussen’s latest Ohio poll however, suggests that the former Congressman, Trade Representative and Budget Director may not be all that much help:
Former Ohio Congressman Rob Portman has been mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential candidate for John McCain. Eleven percent (11%) of the state’s voters say they’d be more likely to support the ticket with Portman on it while 19% hold the opposite view. Republicans are evenly divided. Among unaffiliated voters, 6% would be more likely to vote for McCain with Portman on the ticket and 20% less likely.
One poll doesn’t prove much; right now Portman is a relatively obscure former Congressman from a small corner of the state. If nominated for Vice President, the rest of the state would get to know him quickly, bringing many more Ohians to back him. But the Portman bandwagon won’t catch much momentum from a poll which shows him hurting more than he helps.
