Teamsters back Portman over Strickland for Senate

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Another labor union is backing Republican Rob Portman over rival Ted Strickland in Ohio’s closely watched contest for U.S. Senate.

The announcement Monday by the 50,000-member Ohio Conference of Teamsters was an important campaign endorsement for Portman and a political blow to Strickland. The Democrat is a former governor and congressman whose strong relationships with labor have helped him win elections.

In June, Portman won the endorsement of the United Mine Workers of America. It was a setback for Strickland who has campaigned on his roots in coal-rich Appalachia and his history of supporting area mineworkers.

The campaign could be one of the nation’s most- expensive Senate race this year.