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Political Litmus Tests Unwise

Republicans could do far worse than naming Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, as their nominee for president in 2016. But they won’t have that option.

Portman revealed this week that, despite national speculation he may run for president, he will not do do. Instead, he will focus on the Senate as a place where he can help to make policy effectively.

If that’s what Portman feels, good. He is an asset to all Americans in the Senate. But did fear of the so-called “far right” have anything to do with his decision?

Portman did something courageous last year. He announced he had changed his mind about same-sex marriage after his son revealed he is gay. Portman said he now supports same-sex marriage. Social conservatives reacted to Portman’s announcement by condemning him.

Was part of Portman’s decision not to run for president a fear that if he took to the hustings, social conservatives would derail his candidacy?

Let’s hope not. Too many good men and women fear that because they are not 100 percent politically correct – whether that be with conservatives or liberals – they will be blasted by the “ultras” in their political parties.

How many Democrats in Congress oppose President Barack Obama’s climate change agenda?

Precious few. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is a notable exception. Manchin – in a state where Democrats still represent more than half the registered voters – opposes Obama and Senate Majority Leader (for a few more weeks) Harry Reid on several issues.

But Manchin knows his constituents agree strongly with him. What if he, too, came out in favor of same-sex marriage? Don’t start calling or tweeting your friends. As a matter of fact, Manchin is one of the few Senate Democrats who does not agree with gay marriage.

I have no doubt that reflects his own moral foundation.

But just for speculation’s sake, what if Manchin changed his stance?

Beyond any shadow of doubt, it would cost him votes in West Virginia. Enough for him to lose his Senate seat??No. Most Mountain State residents are not single-issue voters. They understand that when they vote, they are buying a package of stances on dozens, perhaps hundreds, of issues. They judge the whole candidate.

I think Ohioans are the same. Portman will have no trouble winning reelection to the Senate when he has to run again in 2016.

But what about the national stage? Portman has good reason to worry not so much about single-issue voters but about single-issue campaign spending. A few score million dollars dumped into a primary campaign against him by people opposed to same-sex marriage could scratch a presidential campaign.

Everyone has the right to judge candidates based on whatever criteria they choose, of course. And some “social” issues clearly are more important than others. Opponents of abortion on demand are not just trying to regulate others’ behavior – they’re trying to save lives.

But on most issues – and that includes non-social ones ranging from national security policy to climate change in some states – voters are making a mistake when they allow a candidate’s position on one question to disqualify him.

Which brings us back to Ohio. Portman isn’t the only Ohioan being looked at as a potential Republican candidate for president. Gov. John Kasich also is on some short lists.

What of his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio? That may cost him some conservative support. Should it disqualify him?

That would be crazy. Kasich has been a good governor for Ohioans. He’s far better qualfied for president than some Republicans being eyed now. GOP leaders – and, more important, deep-pockets conservatives who fancy themselves as orthodoxy police – should look at his record, his conservatism in practice and the appeal he would have in a national campaign.

Political litmus tests make no sense. Judging a candidate on a single issue amounts to throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Myer can be reached at mmyer@theintelligencer.net.

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