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Portman, Strickland Race Among Most Expensive Senate Contests Nationwide

Andy Chow
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio); former Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)

This year’s Senate bout between Republican U.S. Senator Rob Portman and Democratic former Gov. Ted Strickland is becoming one of the most expensive races in the country. The two candidates are facing different challenges.

Portman has $13.4 million cash on hand. Strickland, who hasn’t released his second quarter earnings yet, currently has $2.7 million cash on hand.

David Cohen is a professor of political science at the University of Akron. He says while Portman has a huge financial advantage, he’ll need to use more of his money to increase his name recognition, which doesn’t have to be a disadvantage.

“Because not only is he defining himself but he’s defining himself in a positive light and explaining his policy positions,” said Cohen.

According to OpenSecrets.org, Ohio’s Senate race is the second most expensive, raking in more than $17 million so far.

Contact Andy at achow@statehousenews.org.