Expected to face Strickland

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R – Ohio, has set a record for off-year fundraising for this year’s Senate race.

According to USA Today, Portman raised $2.8 million from campaign donors in the final quarter of 2015, making his total for the year $9.8 million.

Portman, who was elected in 2010 to the seat vacated by George Voinovich, is considered to be in one of the most competitive elections for Congress this year.

He is expected to face Democratic former Gov. Ted Strickland in the fall.