Mr. Commissioner, Mr. Senator?

At today's Hamilton County Commission meeting, Commissioners Todd Portune and Phil Heimlich briefly got into a debate over what Portune charged was some companies trying to circumvent laws requiring higher wages for workers on government construction projects.

Heimlich's philosophy is government should be done as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible, a stance Portune said sounds good to potential voters but actually harms many.

Portune said 5 million more children went into poverty last year, some the result of such stances and actions.

Portune blasted Heimlich for publicly saying he supports family values and morals, something Portune suggested was hypocritical if Heimlich doesn't help workers get decent wages.

Heimlich halted the impromptu debate by saying that specific argument belongs on a stage higher than a county commission meeting. "This is perhaps more of a Senatoral race (subject) and perhaps, some day, who knows?" Heimlich said with a grin, suggesting the Republican could be an opponent to the Democrat Portune in a future campaign.

Portune didn't shy away from the suggestion.

"Who knows?" Portune answered with a nod and a smile.