Portman’s Trade Announcement Shows Just How Vulnerable He Is
The news that Senator Rob Portman would not support (for now) the trade agreement he voted to fast-track just six months ago was greeted with “surprise” because the increasingly vulnerable incumbent has built his career supporting trade proposals. In addition to voting to fast track the TPP, Portman has voted for eight free trade deals throughout his congressional career – a record that has earned his distinction as a “free-trade disciple” and “dedicated outsourcer.”
“This is nothing more than an election year stunt by a worried politician hoping to save his career, and it’s pretty insulting to the Ohioans he’s trying to fool,” said Lauren Passalacqua, DSCC National Press Secretary. “It’s hard to believe that Portman, who voted to fast track this same proposal just months ago, served as the trade representative under President Bush, and voted for eight other free trade agreements, suddenly has a problem with the type of deals he’s helped broker.”
Senator Portman’s cravenly political announcement has been reported as exactly that. Here’s a look at how it’s playing with folks who understand just how vulnerable Portman is:
Cincinnati Enquirer: Portman, in surprise, to oppose trade deal
It’s a surprise move from the Ohio Republican, who served as the chief trade negotiator for President George W. Bush and who supported the North American Free Trade Agreement and a series of subsequent trade deals.
Portman defended his position on Thursday as consistent, saying he has always supported free trade as long as it’s also fair to American workers.
As Bush’s trade representative, Portman helped negotiate such free trade agreements, and he notched a big win in 2005 when Congress passed the Central American Free Trade Agreement, a priority for the Bush administration.
“From an economic point of view, trade will always be something positive for growth,” Portman said in a 2005 interview.
Toledo Blade: The Blade
Last May, Mr. Portman voted with the majority to grant President Obama fast-track negotiating authority, the power to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Under “fast-track” trade promotion authority, Congress cannot change the deal and can pass it with only a simple majority.
Washington Post: Daily 202
Just how worried are Republicans about losing the Senate? ROB PORTMAN, who was the top U.S. trade official under President George W. Bush, has come out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership! Private polling shows that the agreement has become toxic back in Ohio, which has seen a steep decline in manufacturing, and the senator has looked increasingly vulnerable to a challenge from former Gov. Ted Strickland.
Washington Post: Portman to oppose trade deal as opposition back home builds
The Ohio Republican is facing a difficult re-election campaign against Ted Strickland, an anti-trade former Democratic governor, in a state that has seen a steep decline in manufacturing as a result of companies moving operations overseas.
Portman left open the possibility that he could change his position and support the deal if changes are made to better protect U.S. workers. He announced last year that he was skeptical of the deal for failing to prevent countries like Vietnam and Japan from artificially devaluing or otherwise manipulating the value of their currency. He drew criticism from his Republican colleagues for supporting a currency amendment to the fast-track bill.
Politico: Portman wilts on TPP as Strickland Attacks
The decision by former President George Bush’s U.S. trade representative shows the tough politics that even some Republicans face on trade, and underscores Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s reluctance to schedule a vote on the agreement before the November election, with control of the Senate at stake.
Portman’s decision shows his determination to neutralize himself on the issue in the face of fierce attacks from his expected Democratic challenger, former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland
New York Times: Senator Rob Portman to Oppose Pacific Trade Pact
Also, he is running for re-election in November in a state where opposition to global trade runs strong, all the more so in a year when presidential candidates in both parties are stoking anti-trade sentiment.
Yet he has a long record of support for international trade agreements in the Senate and the House, and as Mr. Bush’s trade ambassador, when he negotiated bilateral accords and helped win passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement.
Given that record, Mr. Portman’s Democratic rival for the Senate seat, former governor and congressman Ted Strickland, said Mr. Portman’s opposition now to the Pacific nations’ pact is disingenuous. “The difference between Senator Portman and myself when it comes to trade is clear: He voted for eight trade deals and I opposed them,” Mr. Strickland said in a statement.
The Hill: Vulnerable senator comes out against Obama trade pact
Portman, who is considered vulnerable this year in his reelection race, said he cannot support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in its current form.
Reuters: Republican Senator Portman opposes TPP trade deal in present form
Portman is seeking a second term in an industrial state where many workers blame job losses on previous trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He is expected to face a stiff challenge from former Democratic Governor Ted Strickland.
