Tipsheet

Before We Anoint Rob Portman...

I make the case for Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor -- the only Republican to win statewide in Ohio in the very tough year of 2006...

... No doubt, Portman is still the man to beat.  But I still wonder about the wisdom of nominating a former Bush Administration official ... and a trade official, no less -- to replace retiring Sen. Voinovich.

It is unclear whether or not she would be interested in running, but Ohio conservatives should, at least, give Taylor a second look before rallying around Portman...