As expected, U.S. Senator Rob Portman has been re-elected, defeating former Gov. Ted Strickland.
The Associated Press called the race almost immediately after the polls closed. And Democratic former Governor Ted Strickland conceded moments later.
“I accept the results. The people have spoken. There’s no bitterness in my heart at all. In fact, I’m very grateful for what I’ve been able to do.”
Strickland’s loss wasn’t a surprise. He’d come into the race with high name recognition and an early lead, but blamed the infusion of tens of millions of dollars in campaign ads, much of it from anonymous donations, for his loss. Strickland says he doesn’t know what comes next for him, but that he plans to continue to work on behalf of working Ohioans.