The 2010 midterm elections in Ohio featured a Senate race between Republican Rob Portman and Democrat Lee Fisher to fill the seat of retiring Senator George Voinovich. Portman had experience in Congress and as a cabinet member under George W. Bush, while Fisher had a background in the Ohio state legislature and served as Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor. The key issues in the race centered around Ohio's struggling economy and high unemployment, with each candidate attacking the other's record on job creation. Polls showed Portman with a sizable lead over Fisher as voters expressed frustration with the political establishment and the direction of the country under Democratic leadership in Washington.

1. 2010 Midterm Elections:Ohio Veronica Houk Melanie Wicander Vanessa Nunez

2. The Candidates Rob Portman - Republican Lee Fisher - Democrat Each competing for incumbent George Voinovich’s (R) Seat (incumbent won by 63.85%)

4. Held two federal cabinet positions under George W. Bush

5. 2005-2006: U.S. Trade Representative

6. 2006-2007: Director of the Office of Management and BudgetRan uncontested in primary elections

7. Rob Portman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKtNX4YDYU

9. 1982-1990: State Senate

10. 1991-1995: Attorney General of Ohio

11. Lost bid for re-election to Republican Candidate

12. Failed candidacy for Governor of Ohio in 1998

13. Current Lieutenant Governor of Ohio under Governor Ted StricklandBeat Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in Primary Election

14. Lee Fisher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VUf0kB6Ct0

16. Ohio’s Background(continued) Largest industry by employment is trade/transportation/utilities Largest industry by Grosse Domestic Product is manufacturing/financial activities 84.7% White; 12.1% Black; 2.8% Hispanic; 1.6% Asian (2009) Median household income $48,011 (2008) Bachelor’s Degree or + - 21.1% (2000) High School Graduates - 83% (2000)

17. Ohio’s Political History Key swing state in past elections Big and industrialized Conservative and liberal population; a microcosm Battleground with major influence Winner usually takes Ohio; 2004 Presidential election Control has oscillated between Democrats and Republicans Balance in Ohio government Blue Northeast, red Southwest

18. Key Issues Hurting economy Jobs losses Attacks on Portman (R) for his support of free trade as trade representative and budget director for George W. Bush Counter attack on Fisher (D) for failing to bring in new jobs and stop jobs for going to other states as lieutenant governor and development director Frustration with the establishment “Washington is broken” – Fisher

19. News Coverage As of right now the media coverage for the senatorial race in Ohio has been pretty sparse. There hasn't been much coverage, mostly the focus seems to be on the gubernatorial race between Strickland and Kasich instead.

20. Prevailing Topics Possible shift of Ohio from blue to red. – Portman leading in the polls with a 55-35 lead. Each candidate’s fundraising:Fisher: $4.9 millionPortman: $10.7 million Some think that maybe its because Fisher is a Washington " outsider" and was never been "popular" with the Democratic party and there is questions on whether they will continue to fund his campaign. Thoughts that voters are losing hope with the democrats and Obama administration as reason why republicans are fairing well in the polls. – “bad environment” for Democrats right now.