In February, the Portman for Senate campaign went on our 6th RV tour throughout the state. This trip took us to seven counties, mostly in Northeast Ohio, a traditionally Democratic stronghold where we are determined to reach out to voters with our pro-jobs agenda.
After stopping in Columbus for a health care policy meeting, we headed up to Willoughby for the Lake County Lincoln Dinner, where GOP Chair Dale Fellows hosted a wonderful event at the Croatian Lodge Party Center. The food was delicious especially the cabbage rolls! and our Lake County Portman Co-Chairs Morgan McIntosh and Commissioner Ray Sines worked hard to sign more people up for our volunteer team.
On Friday morning, I visited with 30 Cleveland-area small business leaders from EDGE (Economic Development through Growth and Entrepreneurship), to discuss the economic challenges Northeast Ohio faces and how the private sector can capitalize on the resources and talent in the region. During the meeting, I received valuable input on what Washington should be doing to create a better environment for Ohio small businesses. We talked about how immediate tax relief for small business could encourage investment and hiring, and the importance of removing so many of the current uncertainties coming out of Washington that discourage investments in plant, equipment and people. Business owners cited the danger of higher energy costs through the cap and trade proposal, higher health care premiums through new mandates and costs in the health care bills that passed the House and Senate, higher taxes, and the card check legislation that will upset the delicate balance in labor-management relations.
While in the Cleveland area, I also met with other community leaders to discuss economic development, and I went to Case Western Reserve University to meet with their leadership to discuss the critical role Case plays in bringing vitality and innovation to Northeast Ohio. My great-grandfather and grandfather attended Case and Western Reserve, respectively, before the schools merged to form one of Ohios premier teaching and research institutions.
On Friday night, we drove east to Portage County, where I spoke to a fired-up crowd led by GOP Chair Andy Manning and Portman for Senate Chair Marilyn Sessions at the Portage County Lincoln Dinner.
Early Saturday morning, we took the RV to Ashtabula County, where we joined GOP Chair Dick Hornstein, Vice-Chair Bill Pikor, and Portman for Senate Chair Jason Strong at the Ashtabula Country Lincoln Day Breakfast.
After a factory tour in Chardon, I sat down to talk with some unemployed workers in Summit County and then headed to the Medina Lincoln Dinner with Portman for Senate Chair Sandy Calvert and GOP Chair Bill Heck.
It was great to see the growing energy and engagement among conservatives at all these gatherings. At each of the Lincoln Day events we attended, there was a record, or close to a record, turnout, with many first-time attendees, some of whom are independent voters getting involved in politics for the first time. I talked to a lot of activists who are involved with Tea Party groups in Northeast Ohio and share my deep concerns with the direction in Washington.
I look forward to taking the RV through Southeast Ohio next month.
-Rob
P.S. - Be sure to check out other photos from the RV tour at http://www.flickr.com/robportman
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