Just as you can expect Kelly Ayotte with Mitt Romney next week when he visits New Hampshire, a favorite among the possible Vice President candidates was with the campaign when they opened their Ohio headquarters:
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney opened his Ohio campaign headquarters in Columbus today. Notably present, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, whom political analysts say is on the short list of candidates for vice president. The “veepstakes” as it is known in political talk is the next wild card as the presidential race takes form. Other candidates said to be in the running include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida’s junior Senator Marco Rubio and the former governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty.
Analysts say Portman would help Romney win Ohio, a battle ground state. No Republican has ever won the U.S. presidency without carrying Ohio, which went to President Barack Obama in 2008. When asked by reporters what he thought of a vice presidential bid, Senator Portman said he was very happy with his current job. Portman is originally from Cincinnati. The attorney and businessman served in Congress for 12 years starting in 1993 and is known to have a strong appeal to conservatives.
We mentioned many times the extensive roll-out of all-important field offices in Ohio. This state is “ground zero” along with Virginia in the 2012 campaign. If one candidate wins these two, they almost certainly win the election so it’s great to see high level focus on this enormously important state.
Battleground Watch 