“It makes so much sense to give them the ability to knock down barriers for Ohio workers, Ohio farmers, Ohio service providers. The alternative is the U.S. just sits on the sidelines while other countries complete these agreements and we lose market share. We get cut out.” 

But trade deals such as NAFTA have been unpopular in Ohio, especially among unions. And former Gov. Ted Strickland – who is considering a run against Portman – has indicated that he would be running in part against Portman’s trade record.