The National Republican Senatorial Committee’s newly minted Donald Trump koozies are being hocked to fundraise on behalf of their slate of Senate candidates for 2016, including Senator Rob Portman. This is the second time in two weeks that the NRSC’s Trump strategy has been revealed. Last week, a leaked confidential NRSC memo detailed instructions to Senate incumbents and candidates on implementing Trump-like strategies for their 2016 campaigns. Trump called the NRSC candidate guide a “compliment.”
“Donald Trump’s hateful, divisive rhetoric and policies are as un-American as they are incendiary. Fundraising on Trump’s hate speech to re-elect Sen. Portman is desperate and outrageous. Sen. Portman has agreed that the former reality star is ‘qualified to be president,’ and has indicated he will support Trump if he wins the Republican nomination, even after Trump’s call to ban Muslims. Trump and Sen. Portman’s policies would hurt the Buckeye State. Their agenda would make it harder for Ohioans to get a quality education, crush women’s access to healthcare, and take away insurance coverage for children of low income families,” said Jessica Mackler, president of American Bridge 21st Century. “Just like the NRSC koozie says, Sen. Portman’s policies show he’s ‘with Trump.'”
Background:
Portman Said Donald Trump Was Qualified To Be President. According to The Vindicator, “When asked if Trump was qualified to be president, Portman said, ‘Yeah, he’s got a great business background, been very successful. Just ask him.’” [Vindicator, 8/12/15]
Portman: “I Intend To Support The Republican Nominee.” According to BuzzFeed, “‘We’ll see what happens with the nomination; it’s a long ways away,’ said Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman, who is facing former Ohio Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland. Portman’s state will also be hosting the party’s convention next year. When pressed further, Portman said: ‘I’ve said the same thing from the start. I intend to support the Republican nominee, and I think my further comment was unless something crazy happens, and that continues to be my position. Look, guys, it’s so early.’ Again asked if he would consider ruling out supporting Trump, he responded, ‘I don’t expect him to be the nominee.’” [BuzzFeed, 12/8/15]
Published: Dec 10, 2015