This year’s Senate bout between Republican U.S. Senator Rob Portman and Democratic former Governor Ted Strickland is becoming one of the most expensive races in the country.
Portman has $13.4 million cash on hand. Strickland, who hasn’t released his second quarter earnings yet, currently has $2.7 million cash on hand.
David Cohen is a professor of political science at the University of Akron. He says while Portman has a huge financial advantage, he’ll need to use more of his money to increase his name recognition, which doesn’t have to be a disadvantage.
“Because not only is he defining himself but he’s defining himself in a positive light and explaining his policy positions,” he said.
According to OpenSecrets.org, Ohio’s Senate race is the second most expensive, raking in more than $23 million so far.
