Portman headlines GOP rally

Just about every area Republican – from GOP gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell to state Sen. Bob Schuler – showed up at the Deer Park Community Center on Saturday morning for a rally with White House budget director Rob Portman.

Portman, a former 2nd District congressman, took the stage after a rousing recording of “Hail to the Chief,” the song traditionally played for presidents at major events, blared through the hall.

“I feel like I am the only non-elective official here, so I’ll be brief,” Portman said as a woman shouted: “Only until ’08, Rob!”

Wearing four campaign stickers down the front of his blue collared shirt, Portman told the crowd not to pay attention to polls – they show Blackwell and Republican Sen. Mike DeWine running behind their Democratic opponents – because Republicans have a “better ground game.”

He also defended his boss, President Bush, who lately has faced record low public approval ratings, saying that, “He’s doing just fine” and “he knows he’s doing the right thing” regarding Iraq and the economy.

Other candidates also took turns speaking to the crowd, including Blackwell, Secretary of state candidate Gregg Hartmann, Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, Rep. Jean Schmidt, who replaced Portman in the 2nd District last year, Schuler, state Rep. Jim Raussen, and Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Deters.

Even former Congressman Bob McEwen, who lost two attempts at a comeback in the 2nd District, showed up.

“I’m doing what I can to help,” he said.