United States Senate election in Ohio, 2016

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2016 U.S. Senate Election in Ohio
General Election Date
November 8, 2016
Primary Date
March 15, 2016
November 8 Election Winner:
Rob Portman Republican Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Rob Portman Republican Party
Rob Portman.jpg
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Lean R[1]
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely R[2]
Rothenberg & Gonzales: Lean R[3]
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Voters in Ohio elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the election on November 8, 2016.

In one of Ballotpedia’s races to watch, incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R) won re-election, defeating former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D), Joseph DeMare (G), Thomas William Connors (I), and Scott Rupert (I) in the general election on November 8, 2016.

In his victory speech, Portman said, “Americans don’t want to just rewind the tape and live through four more years of the same tired and self-defeating routine. They expect better...we are capable of better. There will never be a better moment than now to stop the dysfunction in Washington and find that common ground.”[4]

In its analysis of the election results, Cleveland.com said Portman "ran one of the best campaigns in the country this year, both in strategy and execution." The analysis said Portman was especially effective in his interactions with the Donald Trump presidential campaign. The article also said Strickland had faced challenges raising funds, saying, "he wasn't used to having to raise so much cash."[5]

The Wall Street Journal predicted that Portman’s get out the vote effort in Ohio would provide “reverse political coattails, with big stakes for Mr. Trump. Ohio has backed the presidential winners in the past 13 elections, and no Republican in modern history has won the White House without capturing Ohio.” Portman did indeed help Trump secure victory in Ohio. Portman won 58.3 percent of the vote, while Trump won 52.1 percent, a 6.2 percent difference.[6]

HISTORICAL FACTS
  • Incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R) began serving in Ohio's Senate seat in 2011.
  • John H. Glenn Jr. was the last Democrat elected to the seat. Glenn served from 1974 to 1999.
  • The Senate seat had changed party control 18 times.
    • Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
    December 16, 2015
    March 15, 2016
    November 8, 2016

    Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Ohio utilizes an open primary system. In an open primary system, a voter does not have to register with a political party beforehand in order to vote in that party's primary. In Ohio, voters select their preferred party primary ballots at their polling places on Election Day.[7][8][9][10]

    For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.


    Incumbent: The election filled the Class 3 Senate seat held by Rob Portman (R). He was first elected in 2010.

    Election results

    General election

    U.S. Senate, Ohio General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRob Portman Incumbent 58% 3,118,567
         Democratic Ted Strickland 37.2% 1,996,908
         Independent Thomas William Connors 1.7% 93,041
         Green Joseph DeMare 1.6% 88,246
         Independent Scott Rupert 1.4% 77,291
         N/A Write-in 0% 111
    Total Votes 5,374,164
    Source: Ohio Secretary of State

    Primary election

    U.S. Senate Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngTed Strickland 65% 742,676
    P.G. Sittenfeld 22.3% 254,232
    Kelli Prather 12.7% 144,945
    Total Votes 1,141,853
    Source: Ohio Secretary of State
    U.S. Senate Republican Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngRob Portman Incumbent 82.2% 1,336,686
    Don Elijah Eckhart 17.8% 290,268
    Total Votes 1,626,954
    Source: Ohio Secretary of State

    Candidates

    General election candidates:

    Republican Party Rob Portman Approveda
    Democratic Party Ted Strickland
    Green Party Joseph DeMare
    Independent Thomas William Connors
    Independent Scott Rupert

    Primary candidates:[11]

    Democratic

    Kelli Prather[12][13]
    P.G. Sittenfeld - City Council member in Cincinnati, Ohio[12][14][15][13]
    Ted Strickland - Former Governor of OhioApproveda[12][16][13]

    Republican

    Don Elijah Eckhart[12][13]
    Rob Portman – IncumbentApproveda[12][17][13]

    Third Party/Other

    Thomas William ConnorsApproveda[18]
    Joseph DeMare (Green)Approveda[12][13]
    Scott Rupert Approveda[19]

    Not running:

    Tim Ryan (D) - U.S. Representative from Ohio's 13th District[16]

    		 Withdrew:
    Melissa Rose Strzala (Not certified.)[12][20]


    Race background

    Republican coattails

    Portman provided a reverse coattails effect for President Donald Trump. Portman won 58.3 percent of the vote, while Trump won 52.1 percent, a 6.2 percent difference.

    A full breakdown of the Republican presidential and Senate races appears below.

    *Ballotpedia identified the highlighted races as battleground races and races to watch. The vote percentages are from CNN and will be updated after the final results are released.

    Debates

    Third debate

    During the final debate on October 20, 2016, the candidates, once again, criticized each other for supporting the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. They also discussed the heroin epidemic in Ohio. Portman cited his effort to get Congress to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which allocated money for addiction and recovery programs. Strickland, who had a family member die of addiction, said that he would advocate for better addiction treatment resources. The conflict in Syria was also discussed. According to Cleveland.com, “Portman said that more work needs to be done to end homegrown terrorism, and said that work begins with a better relationship with the Muslim American community.” Strickland said that he supported using drones to fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and opposes using ground troops.[21][22]

    Second debate

    In the second debate on October 17, 2016, Portman and Strickland clashed over Trump and Clinton, their records on trade, the minimum wage, and the Second Amendment. Strickland said that he supported increasing the federal minimum wage, while Portman “said he supports raising the federal minimum wage to match Ohio’s minimum wage of $8.10 an hour and then indexing it to inflation,” according to The Dayton Daily News. Both agreed that Congress needed to pass comprehensive immigration reform and do a better job addressing the heroin epidemic.[23] The full debate can be viewed here.

    First debate

    Portman and Strickland met in the first of three debates on October 14, 2016. During the debate, Portman and Strickland attacked each other on their political records and argued over the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. Strickland criticized Portman for voting for previous trade deals that he said hurt Ohioans. Portman criticized Strickland for job losses in Ohio while he was governor. The full debate can be viewed here.[24][22]

    Strickland apologizes for charter school comments

    On October 7, 2016, while speaking about education and charter schools in Ohio, Strickland said, “Now we have seen Ohio taxpayers raped by the charter school for-profit entities in this state and the e-school. It’s shameful, it is shameful, it’s an embarrassment.”[25]

    On October 8, 2016, Strickland apologized for his choice of words, saying, "I should have said they were robbing taxpayers. I should have said they were cheating taxpayers. It was a poor choice of words. But the truth is, charter schools have been taking money out of our public schools, and they've been enriching Republican donors, and it's been shameful. … We are an embarrassment because even people who are strong advocates for charter schools understand the way they've been managed in Ohio has been pathetic. That's what I was trying to convey."[26]

    According to Cleveland.com, “Strickland added there are good charter schools, he just meant to condemn Ohio's failure to regulate them properly, particularly for-profit charter schools and online schools.”[26]

    Primary election

    Portman defeated Don Elijah Eckhart in the Republican primary on March 15, 2016. Strickland defeated Kelli Prather and P.G. Sittenfeld in the Democratic primary. Demare was unopposed in his party’s primary.[27]

    Issues

    The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal

    See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal: An overview

    Portman and Strickland both opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade deal between the United States and 11 Asia-Pacific countries. The deal seeks to promote trade and strengthen the relationships between the 12 nations by reducing and eliminating tariffs, fostering competition, and creating greater opportunities for businesses. The countries involved have also agreed to promote environmental protection practices and enforce laws protecting workers. Congress has not voted on the final agreement.

    On February 4, 2016, after the Obama administration signed the TPP, Portman issued a statement explaining that he opposed the trade deal in its current form. His major concerns were the deal’s currency manipulation provisions, the rules of origin for automobiles, and the lack of pharmaceutical industry protections. In a statement, he said, “I am disappointed that the President made the decision to have Ambassador Froman sign the TPP agreement in New Zealand. From currency manipulation, to rules of origin for automobiles, to protection for US biologics – we can do better. And we need to do better for the sake of American workers who are depending on the Administration to give them a level playing field. When it is fair, American workers can compete and win. I cannot support the TPP in its current form because it doesn't provide that level playing field. I will continue to urge the Obama administration to support American workers and address these issues before any vote on the TPP agreement.”[28]

    Strickland criticized Portman’s stance on TPP, saying, “The difference between Senator Portman and myself when it comes to trade is clear: He voted for eight trade deals and I opposed them.”[29]

    Portman has supported previous trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He also helped negotiate and win passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

    Strickland promised to oppose “bad trade deals,” like the TPP, if elected. According to his campaign website, “In the U.S. Senate, I will continue opposing these kinds of bad, give-away trade deals -- like the most recent Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that Congress fast-tracked last year with Senator Portman’s support.”[30]

    Merrick Garland

    See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2016: An overview

    Portman stated that he thinks the Senate should wait until after the 2016 election to hold a vote on the next Supreme Court justice.

    • On April 14, 2016, after meeting with President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, Portman released a statement thanking Garland for his service and reiterating his stance that a vote on the next Supreme Court justice should be delayed until after the 2016 election. His statement appears below.
    “ I want to thank Judge Garland for his service. We had a very cordial meeting, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet him. As I have said previously, however, I believe the American people should have a voice in this debate. This is a lifetime appointment that could reshape the Supreme Court for generations, and I believe the best thing for the country is to trust the American people to weigh in.

    Instead of having a nomination fight in this partisan election-year environment, I believe awaiting the result of the election will give the nominee more legitimacy and better preserve the Court’s credibility as an institution. This is the same position that Vice President Biden and Senators Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer have outlined in the past. After the election, I look forward to considering the nominee of our new president. Whether the American people elect a Republican or Democrat, I will judge his or her nominee on the merits, as I always have.”[31]

    		”
    —Sen. Rob Portman[32]
    • In an op-ed on March 18, 2016, Portman reiterated his stance that the American people should have a say in who fills the late Justice Antonin Scalia's seat on the Supreme Court. A portion of his op-ed appears below.
    “ The president has every right to nominate a Supreme Court justice, and I’m certainly willing to meet with his nominee. But the founders also gave the Senate the exclusive right to decide whether to move forward on that nominee. For the reasons Biden described above, it has been common practice for the Senate to stop acting on lifetime appointments during the last year of a presidential term, and it has been 80 years since any president was permitted to fill a Supreme Court vacancy that arose in a presidential election year.

    I have concluded that the best thing for the country is to trust the American people to weigh in and to have the confirmation process take place in a less partisan atmosphere. Awaiting the result of a democratic election, rather than having a nomination fight in this contentious election-year environment, will give the nominee more legitimacy and, as then-Senator Biden pointed out, better preserve the institutional credibility of the Senate and the court.

    I have supported some of President Obama’s federal court nominees and opposed others, based on their qualifications. I look forward to considering the nominee of our new president. Whether the American people elect a Republican or Democrat, I will judge his or her nominee on the merits, as I always have.[31]

    		”
    —Sen. Rob Portman[33]
    • On March 16, 2016, following Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death and the nomination of Merrick Garland to replace him, Portman explained his opposition to holding a vote to confirm Garland. His statement appears below.
    “ As I have said previously, I believe it is better for the country to allow the American people to have a voice in this debate. We are in the midst of a highly-charged presidential election that is less than eight months away, and this lifetime appointment could reshape the Supreme Court for generations. I believe the best thing for the country is to trust the American people and allow them to weigh in on this issue. This is the same position that Vice President Biden and Senators Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer have outlined in the past.

    This is about the principle, not the person. I believe that awaiting the result of a democratic election, rather than having a nomination fight in this partisan election-year environment, will give the nominee more legitimacy and better preserve the Court’s credibility as an institution. After the election, I look forward to considering the nominee of our new president. Whether the American people elect a Republican or Democrat, I will judge his or her nominee on the merits, as I always have.[31]

    		”
    —Sen. Rob Portman[34]

    Strickland apologizes for Scalia comments

    Speaking about Justice Antonin Scalia's death during a campaign event, Strickland said, "My friends a lot of average citizens out there don't understand the importance of that court. I mean, the death of Scalia saved labor from a terrible decision. And I don't wish anyone ill, but it happened at a good time, because once that decision had been made it would have been tough to reverse it."[35]

    Strickland later apologized for his comments, saying, "That was an insensitive remark and I apologize."[35]

    Second Amendment

    Strickland on the Second Amendment

    Strickland, a longtime supporter of gun rights who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association during his re-election for governor, became a supporter of “background checks on firearm purchases and prohibiting gun sales to people on the federal terrorism watch list,” according to Cleveland.com.[36]

    Strickland said that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting and other fatal shooting events caused him to re-evaluate his stance on gun control. He said that there should be "some common-sense efforts to curb gun violence in society. I feel, quite frankly, that it's reasonable for people as a result of life experiences to re-evaluate their positions. And I have re-evaluated my position, and I feel comfortable in having done that."[37]

    As a member of Congress, Strickland voted against HR1025—the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act—which required background checks to purchase a firearm and HR 3355—the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994—which, among other things, included a ban on certain semi-automatic firearms.[38][39]

    Strickland spokesman David Bergstein said that Strickland “respects the Second Amendment, but he also has, in his words, eyes, ears, a heart and a brain, and he can look around and see the epidemic. He understands we need to take some common-sense steps to make our country safer."[36]

    Strickland said that he would support a ban "if it was possible to have an assault weapons ban that was enforceable, and that would be written in such a way that there wouldn't be constant modifications of weapons to be classified as an assault weapon or not an assault weapon."[37]

    Portman on the Second Amendment

    According to his campaign website, “Portman is a gun owner and avid hunter, and whether for protection, recreation, competition, or to ensure our freedoms granted by the Founders, he supports the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Senator Portman also believes we should work to reduce gun violence through better enforcement of current gun laws, enhancing school security, and ensuring that those who suffer from mental illness—a common thread in attacks—receive proper care.”[40]

    In June 2016, after Democrats called for increased gun control measures, Portman voted against an amendment that would have required a background check for every firearm sale and an amendment that would have allowed the U.S. attorney general to prohibit individuals who were suspected of being involved in acts of terror during the previous five years from purchasing a gun. Both were rejected by the Senate. He voted for an amendment that proposed allowing the U.S. attorney general to "delay the transfer of the firearm or explosive for a period not to exceed 3 business days" to an individual "investigated as a known or suspected terrorist." The waiting period would have given the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) time to investigate an individual who was suspected of terrorist activities during the previous five years and would have allowed the DOJ to obtain a court order to prevent the individual from obtaining a firearm or explosive. He also voted for an amendment that proposed reauthorizing funding for the National Criminal Instant Background Check System and providing incentives for states that submitted mental health records to the federal government to prevent the sale of firearms to mentally ill individuals. Both amendments were rejected by the Senate.[41][42][43][44]

    According to Cleveland.com, “Portman says he supports restricting gun sales to those on the terrorist watch list, but only if there is a process for those mistakenly added to the list to challenge their inclusion.”[36]

    In April 2013, Portman voted against the Manchin-Toomey amendment which proposed expanding background checks to guns sold online and at gun shows.[45]

    On April 17, 2013, after the amendment was introduced, Portman explained his reasoning for opposing the measure. He said in a statement, "Having carefully reviewed the Manchin-Toomey legislation, unfortunately, I do not believe it would be effective in preventing the kind of heartbreaking loss of life seen in Newtown or in other recent tragic incidents. It does, however, contain several provisions that would make it more difficult for law-abiding Ohioans to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.” Portman added that he supports legislation to prevent the mentally ill from obtaining a firearm by “strengthening state reporting of individuals who courts have found to be mentally ill.” In addition, he said that he supports legislation that would prevent gun trafficking and “efforts to address the underlying problem of violence and the glorification of gun violence in popular culture."[46]

    After Portman voted against the Manchin-Toomey proposal, he said, "I've looked at the data. You know that about three-quarters of those people, according to people who are incarcerated, got their guns (through) some illegal source and that's why we did support these provisions on straw purchasers. So we have to get at this underlying problem and if we don't, unfortunately, I don't think we're going to be able to address what I do think is the real issue in this country, which is gun violence."[47]

    Presidential preference

    Portman and Strickland argue about Trump and Clinton

    During the debate on October 14, 2016, Portman was asked why he had not rescinded his support for Trump before the 2005 video of Trump making comments about women was released. Portman said, “I’m proud of our party and he won our nomination fairly and squarely, and I think his policies are better on rebuilding the military and growing the economy. But for me, I could no longer support him.”[48]

    Strickland called Portman's decision to wait to withdraw his support for Trump "cowardice." Strickland said, “He should have rejected this man while he was saying these outrageous things, and he didn’t because he was thinking about his own political career."[48]

    In response, Portman criticized Strickland for failing to denounce Hillary Clinton for calling half of Trump’s supporters a “basket of deplorables.” Portman also criticized Strickland for saying that the Justice Scalia's death "happened at a good time."[48][35]

    Republican Party Rob Portman

    See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump and Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape
    • On October 8, 2016, Portman withdrew his support for Trump after The Washington Post released a 2005 video of Trump making comments about women that were described as "extremely lewd."[49] Portman said that he would vote for vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence because he could not vote for Trump or for Clinton. Portman said in a statement, "As I said yesterday, Donald Trump's comments were offensive and wrong. I had hoped to support the candidate my party nominated in the primary process. I thought it was appropriate to respect the millions of voters across the country who chose Donald Trump as the Republican Party nominee. While I continue to respect those who still support Donald Trump, I can no longer support him. I continue to believe our country cannot afford a Hillary Clinton presidency. I will be voting for Mike Pence for President."[50]
    • On May 6, 2016, Portman said, “I said all along I intend to support the Republican nominee. The Republican voters have now spoken. The nominee appears to be Donald Trump. I’ll be supporting Donald Trump as the nominee as I said I would. But no [I won’t be his vice presidential running mate]. I’m interested in Ohio. I’m not interested in being on the ticket with anybody.”[51]
    • On January 9, 2016, Portman endorsed Ohio Governor John Kasich for president. He said in a statement, “I have decided to endorse Governor John Kasich for President because he is a leader who has a proven record of delivering results. John turned Ohio around at a tough time and I believe he can do the same for our country. I have known John for over 20 years and consider him a good friend. John inherited a mess from former Governor Ted Strickland. Under Governor Strickland, Ohio lost over 350,000 jobs and ranked 48th in job creation, as companies left Ohio for other states. Applying Ohio commonsense and conservative values, Governor Kasich worked with the Republican team to turn a record $8 billion shortfall into a $2 billion surplus, cut taxes by $5 billion, and added over 385,000 new jobs. Governor Kasich has done a great job leading Ohio’s comeback, and I believe he is needed now to do the same for our country as the next President of the United States.”[52]

    Democratic Party Ted Strickland

    See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton
    • During a debate on October 14, 2016, Strickland said Clinton was “a responsible person,” and “mature.” He added, “I think she will be a good president and I am proud to support her."[24]
    • During a February 2015 "Ready for Hillary" event, Strickland said, “Are you afraid of what would happen to the United States of America if a Republican had the opportunity to appoint any more of those freaky conservatives to the United States Supreme Court? ... [Clinton is] experienced, mature and capable of dealing with the threats that face us. ... On election night in 2016. We will hear the announcer say, ‘Ohio has gone for Hillary, the glass ceiling has been shattered.’ And it will be because of the people who live in the great state of Ohio.”[53]

    Clinton's health

    After Clinton revealed that she had pneumonia in September 2016, Strickland said that Kaine was "a wonderfully prepared person to be vice president, and to be the president if that ever became necessary.” Strickland also said, “Secretary Clinton by all reports is a healthy person. A lot of people get pneumonia. That’s not something to be terribly concerned about. There have been efforts for a long time to imply that she is not healthy. I think that is part of her political enemies' attempt to conjure up a rumor that could hurt her politically. I don’t think there’s any evidence she has any serious, chronic health conditions that could make it difficult for her to serve as president.”[54]

    Endorsements

    Republican Party Rob Portman

    • Cleveland.com - "Portman has the proven ability, understanding and energy to help Ohio citizens and businesses prosper and to do his part to make the U.S. Senate a place where competence, not churlish partisanship, matters most. He deserves a second term."[55]
    • Akron Beacon Journal - "Ohioans can count on the senator to know the issues and the arguments, to tap his experience in Washington, including as budget director and trade representative. He understands how Washington works, a trait too little displayed by Republicans. The senator has risen to the occasion in the past. He embraced gay marriage when his son shared that he is gay. Again, at some point, Republicans must defined what kind of party they are. Better to have Rob Portman on the scene, firmly in the conservative camp yet aware of how to move the country forward, through the required give and take and eventual compromise, both sides even having to swallow hard."[56]
    • The Cincinnati Enquirer - "Just one candidate in this Senate race has the energy and ideas necessary to represent Ohio's interests and move our country forward. Rob Portman has earned your vote and a return trip to the Capitol."[57]
    • Local 18 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) - Richard Dalton, the business manager of the union, said in a news release, "Rob has proven time and again that he will do what it takes to protect Ohio families and fight for middle-class jobs and increased wages. No doubt, he is the leader Ohio needs in the U.S. Senate.”[58]
    • IUOE Local 18 endorsed Strickland, when Strickland ran for governor in 2006.[58]
    • The United Mine Workers of America’s (UMWA) National Council of Coal Miners Political Action Committee (COMPAC) - COMPAC International President Cecil Roberts and International Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Kane said, “We very much appreciate the support you have given both active and retired coal miners and their families, especially in such difficult times as the coal industry is experiencing today. Your strong voice in support of our members is an inspiration to us all. We will be actively working among our membership and our communities to inform working and retired Ohioans of our support for you in this year’s election.”[59]
    • COMPAC endorsed Strickland in 2006 and 2010 while he was running for governor.[59]
    • The Ohio Conference of Teamsters - Pat Darrow, president of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, said, "Rob is fighting for middle-class jobs and higher wages for the people of Ohio, and he has fought with us to protect our pensions. We look forward to supporting Rob and continuing to work with him in the U.S. Senate."[60]
    • The Ohio Conference of Teamsters endorsed Strickland in 2006 and 2010.[60]
    • The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) of Ohio - President of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio and Vice President of the National Fraternal Order of Police Jay McDonald said, "On behalf of our more than 25,000 members in Ohio, we are proud to endorse Rob Portman for U.S. Senate and look forward to working with him. His support for our community is unmatched, and we are grateful for all he has done."[61]
    • The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) of Ohio endorsed Strickland in 2006 and 2010.[61]

    Democratic Party Ted Strickland

    • Former President Bill Clinton - "Ted Strickland offers a unique blend of qualities we need more of in Washington today: a proven record of service to hard working Ohioans, energy, determination and idealism. He knows how to reach across the aisle to find common ground and when Ohioans need him to stand his ground. No one will care more, know more, and work harder for better opportunities for every Ohioan than Ted. I’m proud to support him."[63]
    • Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton - "I’m personally delighted to be here with my friend, and your governor, Ted Strickland. Nobody cares more deeply and profoundly about what happens to people. He did a great job as your governor, and he will be an important voice in the Senate."[64]

    Defeated candidate

    Democratic Party P.G. Sittenfeld

    • Former Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste[66]

    Polls

    Ohio Senate - Rob Portman vs. Ted Strickland (October - November 2016)
    Poll Republican Party Rob Portman Democratic Party Ted StricklandMargin of ErrorSample Size
    Emerson College
    October 26-27, 2016    		 49%35%+/-3.4800
    Suffolk University
    October 17-19, 2016    		 46%31%+/-4.4500
    Quinnipiac University
    October 10-16, 2016    		 54%41%+/-3.9624
    Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to [email protected]

    Media

    Republican Party Rob Portman

    Support

    "Fighting" - One Nation ad supporting Portman, released October 2015
    Judicial Crisis Network ad supporting Portman for opposing President Obama's SCOTUS nominee
    "Rob Portman: Getting Things Done" - U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad supporting Portman
    "Holly" - Portman ad, released June 2016
    "Dr. Bane" - One Nation ad supporting Portman, released June 2016
    "Compete" - One Nation ad supporting Portman, released June 2016
    "Steel" - Portman ad on American manufacturing, released July 2016
    "Claudia" - One Nation opposing Obamacare, released July 2016
    Portman ad focused on Ohio jobs, released August 2016
    "Sheriff" - Portman ad on drug abuse, released August 2016
    "Mi Prioridad" - Spanish Portman ad, released September 2016

    Opposition

    "The Insider" - Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Portman, released October 2015
    "Why Won't Sen. Portman Do His Job?" - Ad opposing Portman, for refusing to consider a SCOTUS nominee
    "Sitting Here" - AFSCME ad attacking Portman on trade deals, released May 2016
    "Eight Times" - Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Portman, released June 2016
    "Cicada" - Senate Majority PAC ad comparing Portman to a cicada, released June 2016
    "Street" - Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Portman, released July 2016
    "Embassy" - Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Portman, released July 2016

    Democratic Party Ted Strickland

    Support

    "Fire" - Strickland campaign ad, released August 2016
    "Rainy Day" - Strickland ad, released August 2016
    "Choice" - Strickland campaign ad, released August 2016
    "Lousy Deal" - Strickland campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Homeland Security" - Strickland campaign ad, released September 2016

    Opposition

    "You Have a Choice!" ad by New Leadership for Ohio opposing Strickland in January 2016
    "Ted Strickland Won't" ad by New Leadership for Ohio opposing Strickland in February 2016
    "Choices" ad by New Leadership for Ohio opposing Strickland in February 2016
    "The Numbers Strickland Doesn't Want You to Know" - $642,000 ad buy from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in April 2016
    "Spotty" - $1.5 million ad buy from the Fighting for Ohio PAC in May 2016
    "Keith" - Freedom Partners Action Fund ad, released May 2016
    "Out of Business" - Fighting for Ohio ad attacking Strickland, released June 2016
    "Even Worse" - Fighting for Ohio ad attacking Strickland, released June 2016
    "Spotty Record" - Fighting for Ohio ad attacking Strickland, released June 2016
    "Missing" - Fighting for Ohio ad attacking Strickland, released August 2016
    "Polish" - Fighting for Ohio ad attacking Strickland, released September 2016

    Defeated candidates

    Democratic Party P.G. Sittenfeld

    "Tradition" ad supporting Sittenfeld that ran during the October 2015 Democratic debate
    "Willing" ad supporting Sittenfeld by PG Sittenfeld for Senate in February 2016
    "City" ad supporting Sittenfeld by PG Sittenfeld for Senate in March 2016
    "Home" ad supporting Sittenfeld by PG Sittenfeld for Senate in March 2016

    Campaign contributions

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.
    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Rob Portman

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Ted Strickland

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.


    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

    Presidential impact

    Presidential elections have a significant impact on congressional elections, the most obvious of which is increased voter interest and participation. In the last two decades, presidential elections have led to roughly 15 to 20 percent higher turnout rates than in the corresponding midterm elections.[67] The following chart shows the disparity between voter turnout in presidential elections and midterms.

    Voter turnout comparison.JPG

    In the past decade, presidential elections have benefited the Democratic Party, while midterms have helped Republicans. The Democratic Party gained an average of 5 Senate seats in the last two presidential elections, and the Republican Party picked up an average of 7.5 seats in the last two midterms.[68] The fact that 2016 was a presidential election cycle was a cause of increased Republican vulnerability in the Senate.

    Election history

    2012

    See also: United States Senate elections in Ohio, 2012

    On November 6, 2012, incumbent Sherrod Brown (D) won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Josh Mandel (R) and Scott Rupert (I) in the general election.

    U.S. Senate, Ohio General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSherrod Brown Incumbent 50.7% 2,762,690
         Republican Josh Mandel 44.7% 2,435,712
         Independent Scott Rupert 4.6% 250,616
    Total Votes 5,449,018
    Source: Ohio Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

    2010

    On November 2, 2010, Rob Portman (R) won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Lee Fisher (D), Michael L. Pryce (I), Eric W. Deaton (Constitution), Daniel H. LaBotz (Socialist), and Arthur T. Sullivan (I) in the general election.[69]

    U.S. Senate, Ohio General Election, 2010
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRob Portman 56.8% 2,168,742
         Democratic Lee Fisher 39.4% 1,503,297
         Independent Michael L. Pryce 1.3% 50,101
         Constitution Eric W. Deaton 1.7% 65,856
         Socialist Daniel H. LaBotz 0.7% 26,454
         N/A Arthur T. Sullivan 0% 648
    Total Votes 3,815,098

    Important dates and deadlines

    See also: Ohio elections, 2016

    The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Ohio in 2016.

    Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
    Deadline Event type Event description
    December 16, 2015 Ballot access Deadline for partisan primary candidates to file declarations of candidacy
    January 4, 2016 Ballot access Deadline for write-in primary candidates to file declarations of intent
    January 29, 2016 Campaign finance 2015 annual report due
    March 3, 2016 Campaign finance Pre-primary report due
    March 14, 2016 Ballot access Deadline for independent candidates to file nominating petitions
    March 15, 2016 Election date Primary election
    April 22, 2016 Campaign finance Post-primary report due
    July 29, 2016 Campaign finance Semiannual report due
    August 29, 2016 Ballot access Deadline for write-in general election candidates to file declarations of intent
    October 27, 2016 Campaign finance Pre-general report due
    November 8, 2016 Election date General election
    December 16, 2016 Campaign finance Post-general report due
    January 31, 2017 Campaign finance 2016 annual report due
    Source: Ohio Secretary of State, "2016 Ohio Elections Calendar," accessed June 12, 2015
    Ohio Secretary of State, "2016 Ohio Campaign Finance Reporting Calendar," accessed October 28, 2015

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2016 Senate Race Ratings for July 11, 2016," accessed July 19, 2016
    2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 Senate," accessed July 18, 2016
    3. ↑ Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "Senate Ratings," accessed July 19, 2016
    4. ↑ The Columbus Dispatch, "Portman win in Ohio helps GOP keep control of U.S. Senate," accessed November 15, 2016
    5. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Four reasons Rob Portman beat Ted Strickland in Ohio's U.S. Senate race," November 8, 2016
    6. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Rob Portman May Provide Reverse Coattails for Donald Trump in Ohio," accessed October 17, 2016
    7. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed October 25, 2019
    8. ↑ FairVote, "Primaries," accessed October 25, 2019
    9. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    10. ↑ LAWriter Ohio Laws and Rules, "3501.01 Election procedure - election officials definitions.," accessed October 25, 2019
    11. ↑ Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
    12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 Jon Husted Ohio Secretary of State, "Secretary Husted Certifies Candidates, Official Form of 2016 Primary Election Ballot," December 31, 2015
    13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Ohio Secretary of State, "Ohio 2016 March Primary Candidate List," accessed March 11, 2016
    14. ↑ Cincinnati, "Sittenfeld: Yes, I'm running for U.S. Senate," accessed January 23, 2015
    15. ↑ Cincinnati, "P.G. Sittenfeld fundraising for U.S. Senate bid," accessed January 7, 2015
    16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Roll Call, "Several Ohio Democrats Considering Senate Primary," accessed January 27, 2015 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "potential" defined multiple times with different content
    17. ↑ The Business Journal, "Portman Re-election Campaign Reports $5.8M Cash on Hand," accessed January 8, 2015
    18. ↑ The Green Papers, "Ohio 2016 General Election," accessed December 17, 2015
    19. ↑ Scott Rupert for Ohio's U.S. Senate 2016, "Main page," accessed November 18, 2015
    20. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Filed Presidential Candidates Primary Election Candidates," accessed December 17, 2015
    21. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Rob Portman and Ted Strickland face off in final U.S. Senate debate," accessed October 31, 2016
    22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 The Vindicator, "The first debate for the U.S. Senate race will be inside the studio of 21 WFMJ-TV on Oct. 14," accessed October 12, 2016
    23. ↑ The Dayton Daily News, "Trade, minimum wage focus of Portman-Strickland debate," accessed November 1, 2016
    24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 The Columbus Dispatch, "Rob Portman, Ted Strickland argue over records, presidential nominees in Senate debate," accessed October 15, 2016
    25. ↑ Need To Know Network, "Ted Strickland: Ohio Taxpayers Have Been 'Raped By Charter Schools,'" accessed October 15, 2016
    26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Cleveland.com, "Ted Strickland says he regrets saying for-profit charter schools have 'raped' taxpayers, but stands by criticism," accessed October 15, 2016
    27. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Ohio 2016 March Primary Candidate List," accessed March 11, 2016
    28. ↑ Portman. Senate.gov, "Portman on the Obama Administration Signing the TPP: 'We Can Do Better,'" accessed October 13, 2016
    29. ↑ The New York Times, "Senator Rob Portman to Oppose Pacific Trade Pact," accessed October 13, 2016
    30. ↑ TedStrickland.com, "Jobs With Good Pay," accessed October 13, 2016
    31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    32. ↑ Senator Rob Portman, "Portman statement on meeting with Judge Garland," April 14, 2016
    33. ↑ The Cincinnati Enquirer, "Portman: Why Supreme Court choice should wait," March 18, 2016
    34. ↑ Senator Rob Portman, "Portman statement on Supreme Court nomination," March 16, 2016
    35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Cleveland.com, "Ted Strickland steps into controversy by cheering the timing of Justice Antonin Scalia's death," accessed October 13, 2016
    36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Cleveland.com, "Ted Strickland, once an NRA favorite, now touting gun-control stance," accessed October 16, 2016 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "once" defined multiple times with different content
    37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Cleveland.com, "Ted Strickland says he now favors 'enforceable' assault-weapons ban (video)," accessed October 16, 2016
    38. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1025 - Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act," accessed October 16, 2016
    39. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 3355 - Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994," accessed October 16, 2016
    40. ↑ Rob Portman for U.S. Senate, "Defending the Second Amendment," accessed October 17, 2016
    41. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4750 to HR 2578," accessed October 16, 2016
    42. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4720 to S Amdt 4685," accessed October 16, 2016
    43. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4749 to S Amdt 4720 (which amends S Amdt 4685)," accessed October 16, 2016
    44. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4751 to S Amdt 4750," accessed October 16, 2016
    45. ↑ Congress.gov, S.Amdt.715 to S.649," accessed October 16, 2016
    46. ↑ Portman. Senate.gov, "Portman: Manchin-Toomey Amendment Punishes Law-Abiding Ohioans But Would Not Prevent The Kind Of Heartbreaking Loss of Life Seen In Newtown," accessed October 16, 2016
    47. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Sen. Rob Portman targeted by gun control advocates after background check vote," accessed October 16, 2016
    48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 The Intelligencer, "Sen. Rob Portman Dumps Donald Trump During Debate in Youngstown," accessed October 15, 2016
    49. ↑ The Washington Post, "Trump recorded having extremely lewd conversation about women in 2005," October 8, 2016
    50. ↑ RobPortman.com, "Portman Statement on Presidential Race," accessed October 12, 2016
    51. ↑ The Youngstown Vindicator, "Portman: Trump on ticket will help re-election bid, but no interest in VP slot," accessed May 6, 2016
    52. ↑ JohnKasich.com, "Endorsement: U.S. Senator Rob Portman Endorses John Kasich For President," accessed October 12, 2016
    53. ↑ The Lantern, "Ted Strickland, Joyce Beatty support Hillary Clinton at super PAC event," accessed October 13, 2016
    54. ↑ The Columbus Dispatch, "Despite Ted Strickland remark, Tim Kaine says Hillary Clinton will soon be back on campaign trail," accessed October 13, 2016
    55. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Rob Portman for U.S. Senate: endorsement editorial," accessed October 17, 2016
    56. ↑ Akron Beacon Journal, "For the U.S. Senate: Rob Portman," accessed October 15, 2016
    57. ↑ The Cincinnati Enquirer, "Senator Portman has earned 6 more years," accessed October 12, 2016
    58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 The Hill, "Portman picks up fourth union endorsement," accessed October 12, 2016
    59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 RobPortman.com, "United Mine Workers of America Endorses Rob Portman," accessed October 12, 2016
    60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 Roll Call, "Ohio Teamsters Endorse Republican Portman for Senate," accessed October 12, 2016
    61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 RobPortman.com, "Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio Endorses Rob Portman for U.S. Senate," accessed October 12, 2016
    62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Cincinnati.com, "Obama, Biden endorse Strickland for Senate," March 2, 2016
    63. ↑ Roll Call, "Bill Clinton Endorses Strickland in Ohio," March 31, 2015
    64. ↑ Politico, "Clinton: Strickland 'will be an important voice in the Senate,'" August 27, 2015
    65. ↑ Cincinnati.com, "Ted to P.G.: This isn't a Little League game," April 12, 2015
    66. ↑ Cleveland.com, "PG Sittenfeld endorsed by former Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste," February 10, 2016
    67. ↑ United States Election Project, "Voter Turnout," accessed September 6, 2015
    68. ↑ United States Senate, "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present," accessed September 6, 2015
    69. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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    Ohio's current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Sherrod Brown (D)
    J.D. Vance (R)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    Bob Latta (R)
    District 6
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    District 10
    District 11
    District 12
    District 13
    District 14
    District 15
    Republican Party (11)
    Democratic Party (6)

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