Sherrod Brown expects tough 2012 Ohio U.S. Senate race

COLUMBUS (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown says he anticipates a difficult re-election bid in two years, though he says he believes he can keep his seat representing Ohio.

Brown — whom Republicans view as vulnerable — will face voters who gave the GOP sweeping victories this year in U.S. House races, as well as governor and U.S. Senate contests. He said he would be ready for what is expected to be a tough 2012 campaign.

Attending a conference of Ohio aerospace suppliers in Columbus, Brown told The Associated Press that facing voters in a such a large state is always challenging.

The first-term senator was elected in 2006 with 56 percent of the vote.