Sen. Rob Portman isn’t wasting any time attacking his likely 2016 challenger.
The Ohio Republican’s campaign this week released a web video attacking “retread Ted” — former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, who has announced his intention to run against Portman next year. Strickland, a former congressman, served one term as governor, losing re-election in 2010 to John Kasich.
The Portman campaign video is a montage of newspaper headlines critical of Strickland’s Senate candidacy. “Now Ohio editorial writers are saying the following: Strickland should get out and stay out. Calling his Senate candidacy a sorry statement and a retread that signals the death of the Democratic Party,” the web video’s voiceover says.
Democrats called Portman’s attack “desperate.”
“This is another desperate attack by Rob Portman who would rather do anything than defend his record,” said Justin Barasky, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Ohioans deserve a senator who is fighting for them, not Washington lobbyists, and won’t be fooled by Rob Portman’s dirty attack ads.”
