Portman complains that Fisher distorts his record

Rob Portman, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, said his record on trade issues, particularly with China, is being distorted by Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, his Democratic opponent.

“My record on China enforcement is very strong,” Portman told The Vindicator editorial board today. “No one was tougher on China before or after me as U.S.” trade representative. “No one.”

Portman served as then-President George W. Bush’s trade representative from May 2005 to May 2006.

Also, Gov. Ted Strickland and Fisher should be held accountable for the 400,000 jobs lost in the state during their administration, Portman said.

“The global recession has had an impact on Ohio, but Ohio has also fallen behind relative to other states,” he said. “...There was a national recession. Other states did better than we did and we continue to lag.”

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com