Portman launches $15M re-election ad campaign

COLUMBUS — U.S. Sen. Rob Portman’s re-election campaign will begin airing three television commercials Wednesday throughout the state as part of its $15 million ad strategy.

All three commercials deal with Portman’s efforts to “combat the prescription drug and heroin epidemic,” according to his campaign.

Portman, a Republican, will spend $15 million – $14 million on television and $1 million online – between Wednesday and Election Day.

One commercial details Portman’s plan on fighting prescription drug and heroin abuse, another focuses on a Pickerington man whose son died from a heroin overdose, and the other includes a Lakewood woman who is a recovering heroin addict.

The Portman campaign is also using locally targeted online banner ads to criticize ex-Gov. Ted Strickland, his Democratic opponent.

In response to the Portman ads, Liz Margolis, Strickland’s campaign spokeswoman, said, “Sen. Portman is trying to brag about drug abuse prevention efforts he voted against funding.” The reference is to Portman’s vote in December against a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill.

"While Rob Portman is a national leader getting results and fighting to help those struggling with addiction, Ted Strickland turned his back on us" when he signed a budget into law that cut drug addiction services by 30 percent, said Gina Bonaminio, the Lakewood woman in one of the commercials.