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Portman Earned Unions’ Support

For many years, labor unions almost reflexively supported Democrat candidates for office. Republicans need not apply, even if it was clear their policies were better for unions’ members.

That has changed for officials in some unions, as evidenced by two endorsements received by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

Leaders of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters union revealed this week they are backing Portman in his bid for re-election. Last month, the United Mine Workers announced it was endorsing him.

Both unions turned their backs on the Democrat candidate, former Gov. Ted Strickland. His championing of liberal initiatives including the war on coal and affordable electricity that have hurt many union members badly made it impossible for the Teamsters and the UMW to support him.

In addition, of course, union leaders, like many other Ohioans, are aware of Strickland’s record while governor. When he left, replaced by Republican John Kasich, state officials had an $8 billion hole to fill in Ohio’s budget. Fortunately, they were able to do so within a few months.

Strickland’s tenure was a time of economic backsliding for many Ohioans. His administration fit the classic liberal tax-and-spend model, without getting any noticeable results except for more red ink in the budget.

Portman has been an effective, reliable voice for working men and women. He has opposed much of President Barack Obama’s destructive agenda. He has been a good senator for Ohio Democrats and Republicans alike.

The contrast between Portman and Strickland is so obvious that many union members might have considered it dereliction of duty had the Teamsters and UMW not endorsed the incumbent.

Good for officials in the two unions, then, for abandoning tradition to stand up for their members by endorsing Portman.

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