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LEBANON, OH -- Ohio Sen. Rob Portman said Monday he has "no idea" whether Mitt Romney has chosen a running mate, a decision that could come this week before the presumptive Republican presidential nominee takes his campaign overseas.
Portman spoke to supporters and media at the Romney Victory Office here ahead of President Obama's campaign stop in Cincinnati today. It is the second time in the past three days the Ohio senator has campaigned for Romney in the southwest corner of his home state, an area that will be pivotal in deciding whether the Buckeye State goes for Romney or Obama this fall.
Despite his continuing role as a high profile surrogate for the campaign, he has remained mum on any speculation about the prospects of him taking on a bigger role as running mate.
A report from The New York Times this morning suggested that the former Massachusetts governor may have already chosen his No. 2, but senior Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom has since told reporters that no decision has been made. But -- just to keep the VP buzz at a heightened alert -- Ferhnstrom told the Associated Press, "Technically it could, but the governor hasn't made a decision. It will only happen after he makes a decision."
Near the top of almost every list of possible running mates is Portman, whose deployment today to bracket the president is another sign of the high esteem with which he is held by the Romney. But the first-term senator again declined to divulge any information about his VP prospects, and if he's the guy, he doesn't know it yet.
"I have no idea," Portman told reporters when asked if he thought Romney had made a decision. "I also have to add that people vote for the presidential candidate, not the VP," he said.
Portman's deployment in Ohio in recent days has focused on refuting the negative ads running against Romney in a state that is more saturated with political ads than nearly anywhere else in the country. "He's attacking Mitt Romney on a personal basis," he said of the president. "Why? Because he doesn't want to talk about his record."
Portman, who held today's event adjacent to The Golden Lamb, a hotel and restaurant owned by his family that is the longest continuously running business in the state, has sought to portray Obama as out of touch with small business owners.
"He's in Cincinnati today, I'm glad he's coming to Ohio. I really am. I hope he'll go on the shop floor and talk to some workers in the greater Cincinnati area. I hope he'll come out to Warren County and talk to some small business owners," he said. "But if he does that, you know what he's going to find, he's going to find the private sector is not doing just fine."
It is going to be a busy week in the state. On Wednesday, Romney will hold fundraisers in the state and a rally in Bowling Green, OH. On Wednesday, former Florida governor Jeb Bush will be here to fundraise for Romney. But with the Senate in session, it is unlikely Portman and Romney will be together again until after Romney gets back from his overseas trip.
The amount of attention Portman's home state will get between now and the election is an advantage that has helped lift him to the top of VP list. It is something that is not lost on him.
"Southwest Ohio is incredibly important, we're going to be in the middle of it again...given where we are as a country, the direction we're heading, for our kids,for our communities and for our country, we have got to have a change," Portman said. "And that's where Warren County, greater Cincinnati, southwest Ohio, are going to play a key role."
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Why is Obama everywhere but at the White House?
All campaigning, all the time. Good thing everything is going so well, right?
Why won't Mittens show his Tax Returns?, if there is nothing then show them.right?
Because he is the amateur in chief!
Obama is the biggest joke in politics. His hatred for capitalism is truly unmatched by anyone else in politics today.
He is the job killer in chief too.
He doesn't even possess a basic understanding of business as evidenced in his speech yesterday. But what would you expect from someone who hasn't had a real job and never managed anything.
eye ball, why doesn't Obama release his college transcripts? Every other candidate for president has, but not Obama! He is really hiding something there. Romney has released his tax returns. He has lot of money. Good for him. Why are libbys so obsessed with what he does with his money but not what Obama does with OUR money? Hypocrites.
Obama is the first incumbent to run away from his record rather than running on his record! Worst president in modern history for sure! Hands down!
Same reason we don't get to see closed academic records -- they are not required. We can ask all we want. We can conjecture all we want. Doesn't mean a thing. If Gov. Romney is following the financial disclosure laws, then that is all that is required no matter who asks. It is his privilege. It is his right. Just like the right of this administration not disclosing document of F&F and pleading the Fifth. Let's get on to the nitty gritty.
Red Sox -- Oh how correct you are!!! Did you listen to the slap in the face he gave to business telling people they didn't do it alone. That way of thinking is not the direction this country should be moving in. His way is moving into the pit of fire and as Nilsson put it in song, Obama is singing "I am the God of Hell fire."
Poor, poor Mittens...
Wow...seems Romney may have committed a felony...he should just cut his losses and admit he's a liar.
Right Spanky? Or maybe you can defend him...after all, you "volunteer" your time defending the poor...
Sure you do, "counselor"...that was pretty funny though.
Spanky;
As soon as Romney decides to quit campaigning, I bet Obama will too.
The opposite is not true.
So I think you should be speaking to your own guy on this one.
Also...isn't Portman the guy who believes in ghosts? Or was that another one of the Republican hopefuls?
Not an insult, legitimate question.
Mickey, the only one that committed a felony is Obama, and he readily admits it in his book! He shared drugs with his fellow druggies, which is a FELONY!
We have a FELON IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!
Obama is grasping at straws on his accusations against Romney. Everyone is already moved on from this except the libby left. LMAO
Tek - Obama is the current Pres. He, unlike Romney actually has a job.
See Tek, as present 'my guy' cannot do anything to address the horrid economic issues. He can do nothing to get legislation passed - like all the "Bush" tax cuts.
Now I know you know that TEK.
One guy has a full time job and all the things he is responsible for are very bad. The other does not.
So Tek, please tell me how I have this wrong.
Mickster - tell us all what felony he committed. Also tell us all the SEC filings you have ever drafted, filed, signed, or hell, even seen.
You are funny Mickey. Keep running up that hill. It makes me laugh.
Ghosts TEK? Dunno, but ghosts are far less scary to me than trains, which we know Biden believes in.
Bullett trains to nowhere TEK. Why not, right, not like Cali has a money shortage.
RedSoxRule,
How does a student at Harvard Law School become head of the Harvard Law Review if that peson does not have good grades? I will await your answer. Thank you.
Well, with Romney being as amazing as he is...
maybe he should've run for re-election in MA?
Oh, right...he was like 20 points upside-down or some other ridiculous number. They hated him.
Could've steered that big economy from MA. States have a lot of power to do that, just ask Slick Rick Perry.
Besides.
Things aren't too bad from where I'm sitting.
I'm much better off now than 4 years ago :)
So I declare your premise 'false'.
Brad, that is the question we all want answered. If you read his book he will clearly see that he says he didn't work hard.
You guys keep proving my point! Thanks! LOL
TEK, let's stick with the point, which is Obama has a job, yet appears to be less interested in doing it, than running for it.
Glad to hear you are doing better. I'm getting back to pre '08 levels, but I'll never, ever have a year like '07.
Plus Cali is in a world of hurt. If that does not effect you now, it will.
Spanky, you're not going to defend Romney? Huh...you're not very loyal, are you. How about answering that simple question?
So, you tell us about that felony, Spanky...after all, you're the "lawyer", right?
Please...enlighten us., counselor...we're all dummies, right?
You can't...
You won't... (god, I love saying that...!)
You first Mickey.
What law was broken and how was it broken.
Be specific and if you can, cite the actual law you think was broken.
Then we can discuss.
K?
I'm starting to think you have suck a limited understanding about this you just can provide any of the backup/foundational information.
Mickey? I kinda seems you are trying too hard.
But, please, whatever you do, don't stop.
If Romney Campaigns, Expect Obama to campaign.
If Romney stops Campaigning, Obama will stop campaigning.
It seems rather un-inspired to accuse the president of campaigning, when the entire republican party has been campaigning since 2008 to make him a 'one term president'.
They just seem mad that Obama is demolishing their 3 1/2 years of efforts in about 5 months, and starting to call the Romney's out on the utter garbage spewing from their mouths.
'07 was a year you went into monumental debt and didn't know it.
But you'll have another chance, if you're young enough. Another pre-depression up-cycle will inevitably happen again.
[...let's stick with the point...]
Now THAT'S funny!
Must be crowded in that Klown Kar, huh "counselor"...
So if Romney acts like a president and start meeting with members of congress to get something done today, can we expect Obama to follow suit?
Unispired maybe, but the guy has a job to do, but is not doing it.
No, in '07 I settled a insurance bad faith claim for $11 million. It was a great case. Those don't come around too often unfortunately.
I'm waiting for the up cycle. Not with these policies.
So that's a no on the specifics, eh Mick. You say you want to talk about stuff, but you never seem to be able to back up you chatter.
Typical, but very amusing. Thanks for playing Mickey. :)
Brad Cantor - they can't answer because it is clear President Obama is smarter than Romney and outclasses him in absolutely every way possible. The jealousy of the far right is overwhelming!
Obama/Biden 2012
An up-cycle won't happen unless;
A. we let the teapublicans put more wars and bubbles on the credit card (pre-depression bubble!).
or
B. we get all the teapublicans out of long-term policy-making completely (long-term solution)
or
C. Bring back the moderation in the party, a la Eisenhower republicans. (long-term solution)
And if Romney starts meeting with the Democratic Caucus in congress, i have no doubts Obama will start meeting with the Republican Caucuses. Again. :)
Spanky, you're deflecting again.
So, I'll take that as you not having the answer. It's ok...you screwed up the SCOTUS ruling, so I could understand how you wouldn't want to screw this up.
Way.
To.
Go.
Spanky,
You did not answer the question. Obama is extremely intelligent, and just didn't have to work as hard at Harvard as say someone with as little inteliigence as you..
Oh the anguish for Romney, he's so flawed and so is him, him, her, and him.
*yawn*
Do you actually believe Portman was going to say yes? lol
How about a thread on President Obama's town hall meeting today in Ohio instead of this drivel..?
Good point Feisty.
Care to discuss the economy?
Or I know, how about the 47-47 polling tie, despite a dem +9 sample?
Say Feisty, why do you suppose they went with a +9 dem oversample?
Portman, trying to steer business $$$$$$ to his family!
Excellent point chilled.
So can you point to a politician that does not point money/business to their supporters?
But then again chilled, how many people do you suppose the Golden Lamb has employed over the years?
Now how about Biden. Dude ever create a private sector job?
[Now how about Biden. Dude ever create a private sector job?]
Well, neither did you...right "counselor"?
Care to address what may very well be a felony committed by Romney? After all, he is who you are voting for, right?
Nahh...didn't think you'd want to address that.
Because, national registration statistics;
35% democrat
33% independant
29% republican.
Far different numbers in CA, of course, but those are the national figures.
My boy's campaign just got his official welcome-aboard packet from Sacramento as he moves into the general election.
I'll scan you a copy and shoot it to you, if you want.
Never seen those registration stats. I'll take a look.
Pass on the packet, but will be heading to La Haina's on Mission Beach for lunch on Wed. Happy to buy you a beer. And sadly they do not sell Natty Light there.
But they do make some fine Captains and Coke.
Oh no Mick - happy to address. But you got to give me the specifics. What law broken and how.
You can do that, right Mickster?
Supporters, perhaps!....Family, No!
Spanky,
Care to discuss the projected Electoral College?
Mission beach? Oi, i'm in Carlsbad during the day.
Let me know when you get a bit further north, say La Jolla-ish.
Did anybody else get choked up by this line???
Seriously! Can we get something else to discuss besides the non-existant as-of-yet VP? So much reporting on nothing.
Seems he's got the whiny line down though . . . . thanks for THAT update!
I hate La Jolla - too much traffic and drinks too costly.
You tell me where I can find a big beach bar with a huge outdoor deck up north and I'll consider it.
Because he is the amateur in chief!
Obama is the biggest joke in politics. His hatred for capitalism is truly unmatched by anyone else in politics today.
He is the job killer in chief too.
He doesn't even possess a basic understanding of business as evidenced in his speech yesterday. But what would you expect from someone who hasn't had a real job and never managed anything.
President Obama has been in office three years now, he's scored numerous foreign policy successes, brought the American auto industry back to life, and gone a long way to cleaning up after Bush, and you call him a "joker?" I call him one of the Presidents of my lifetime.
Posters like RedSoxRules come here to repeat what FOX, Drudge and Breitbart tell them yet they never bother to ask how it can be that if President Obama hates capitalism, why did he bother saving the US auto industry? If he hates capitalism so much, why did he pass the Affordable Care Act which leaves most health insurance in the hands of private insurance companies?
Obama/Biden 2012.
So Amy - you reading all the reviews/news about the Chevy Malibu?
Also, I was wondering if you could give us the current GM stock price?
And as to foreign policy, man the arab winter sure is something, right?
But then again, we already know you also thing Carter was tops.
So being a College Professor, Successful Book Author, US Senator and President of the United States is not a real job? That is a a pretty dumb statement. Remember anyone can be a business man.
BJ, no, those are not real jobs where any leadership skills were ever required. That is why he doesn't have the first clue of how to be a leader.
Thanks for helping me to make the point! Good work! LMAO
Obama is the biggest joke in politics. His hatred for capitalism is truly unmatched by anyone else in politics today.
He goes Redsux and his Tea-Bagger rally rants. It sounds even more stupid coming from the mouth of an ignorant little tart like yourself!!!!
Obama/Biden 2012
Leave it to RedSuxRule to make the dumb statements, that can't be backed up.
Chevy Malibu gets a fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway and an average of 29 mpg. Solid numbers for a mid-size sedan.
Yep, but you might want to read the reviews.
And the commentary about the review trying, but failing to downplay what a POS it is.
But tell us Screeeeminglib - you drive a domestic?
Some many of the libbies around here do not.
I got me a great '89 Sierra P/U with a corvette motor and chip.
What a dilemma - announce a VP pick now to change the subject (from Bain) and step all over a European tour...news cycles are relentless.
It would be a classic example of the tail wagging the dog.
Imagine a Romney/Portman ticket. One candidate was a Bush 43 budget guy and the other plans to reinstate Bush 43 policies only Mitt will put them on steroids.
Listening to some guy state that Tim Pawlenty would bring a lot to the Romney campaign. Really? Nothing like two dull and uninspiring guys teaming up in the hopes of inspiring voters.
Any imagination of something other than Obama/Biden/or Biden replacement is better than what we have now.
Who's afraid of GOP Governor Bob McDonnell and other successful GOP Governors? Why , Barack Obama, per the Washington Post .
"Gov. Bob McDonnell had one last turn on the national stage as host of the weekend midsummer retreat of U.S. governors as a potential vice presidential running mate for Republican Mitt Romney. Then President Barack Obama upstaged him...The bipartisan gathering with national press attention gave McDonnell and other Republican governors the perfect opportunity to score points for Romney and flay Obama on health reform, a torpid economy, and mounting federal debt without looking shrill or partisan."
"So Obama bracketed the NGA weekend with five Virginia campaign stops Friday and Saturday, check-mating McDonnell in his big moment....."
"Senior aides said privately that McDonnell was not the least surprised by Obama’s flanking maneuver.
“Sure, coincidences happen. But I’m just guessing they are few and far between in presidential scheduling,” said J. Tucker Martin, McDonnell’s top spokesman.
George Mason University political science professor Mark Rozell said Obama had nothing to gain from a gathering of American governors — about two-thirds of them Republicans — and was happy to spoil McDonnell’s last major audition before Romney picks his running mate leading into next month’s Republican National Convention...
Obama did not spoil anything. The VA governor is not going to be picked for VP, never was.
Hey Bob,
Looks like you've got the republican talking points down pat!!! If things don't work out the way you want, stomp your feet, point your fingers and whine! (want some cheese to go with????)
July 16, 2012
This tight one is starting to open up a little bit more in favor of Obama. So, my current Projection: (Currently the states that will continue to play the biggest in November are Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and Florida and Wisconsin. For now these states are remaining in the toss up status, while leaning toward Obama. However, if the election were held today, Obama would win the general.
The key months for this race are going to be September and October. And as far as the debates, Romney most likely will have a problem in this area, along with his lack of availability to the press/media.
Another issue that will hurt Romney is the battle being waged by the President to raise the taxes on folks earning more than $250,000 a year. This is something that the majority of Americans are for and Romney is against.
For now the biggest problem for Romany is his record at Bain and as Governor of Mass.
For now, the new projected election out come totals are:
Projected Winner Obama 293
Projected Loser Romney 245
So Job1 - can you point us to a poll that is not oversampled dem?
Also how about the economic numbers in Aug, Sept. and Oct.? We already know they will be terrible.
Marist looks to be dead-on.
36/34/29
Looks to have a bigger number of white voters, and under-represents the 18-29 year olds (expected to be about 25% of all ballots cast in 2012)
But overall, pretty accurate.
Spanky,
Nate Silver over at 538, who was absolutely dead on in 2008, has it Obama-297.4 and Romney at 240.6. Looks like Romney has some ground to make up..
Who's afraid of GOP Governor Bob McDonnell ?
Vag Bob - Anybody with a vagina, to start with.
If that crude witless pathetic retort is all you moonbats have against the highly successful and popular GOP Governor, no wonder he is on the VP short list....with moronic enemies like you, how can he fail?
I hope VP Bob gets picked so that he can go down with Willard.
VP pick?
That's almost as presumptive as thinking people are going to buy 'retroactive retirement' or 'self deportation'.
VP Pick?
I bet the majority of republicans would like to retroactively vote for a whole new candidate, let alone VP pick..
The Governors camp has some accounting to do.
THEN we can put this Bain stuff behind us and get back to how he is the biggest Socialist Governor, RINO, cult member, father of Obamacare there ever was (Tea party words, not mine).
The Republican party doesn't have a nominee yet so how can they propose a running mate? Once Willard or whoever is nominated does get the nod then he can select a running mate.
Romney will pick Portman, he's duller than Mitt, and he thinks a win in Ohio will follow. One out of two ain't bad.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows Mitt Romney attracting 47% of the vote, while President Obama earns 46%. Four percent (4%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) more are undecided.
WAY TO GO MITT!
ROMNEY 2012!!!