DeWine says he'll wait and see on port deal

A day after President Bush flew to Cincinnati to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Mike DeWine, the Ohio Republican spoke out Friday on the government-owned company from the United Arab Emirates that’s in line to take over operations at six major U.S. shipping hubs.

Here’s what he had to say: "We have to take a good look at this thing."

The company – Dubai Ports World – agreed on Thursday to a postpone the takeover of the U.S. ports while Congress investigates the company’s $6.8 billion purchase of London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co.

DeWine: "I'm glad that there’s been a delay in the implementation. … This is going to give time for Congress and for all of us to take a hard look at this."

The White House has stood by the deal, and President Bush has said he would veto any legislation that would block the U.S. contract.

DeWine: "It's certainly a concern to all of us, what we are hearing, but I want to get all the facts before we move ahead, and now we have the time to do that."

Asked why his comments – which neither support or oppose the administration – came a day after the Bush fundraiser and not earlier in the week, despite at least two interview requests (read our first story here and our second story here), DeWine said: "I don't see what difference it would make."

He added: "I was out of town for a couple of days."

Congress, which was on President's Day recess all week was scheduled to return to work in Washington on Tuesdsay.

Sen. George Voinovich, R-Cleveland, also has not said whether he supports or opposes the deal. Spokeswoman Marcie Ridgway said he’s researching the deal.

However, several Ohio lawmakers, including House Majority Leader John Boehner of West Chester, and Reps. Steve Chabot, Mike Turner and Jean Schmidt, all R-Ohio, have spoken out against the deal.