Portman questions need for Romney Ohio win

Senator says GOP victory possible without Ohio

By Greg Clary CNN
POSTED: 08:22 AM MDT Oct 14, 2012    UPDATED: 01:44 AM MDT Oct 15, 2012 
Rob Portman blurb
(CNN) -

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said Sunday that he thinks Mitt Romney could win the presidency without winning Ohio, but wouldn't want to take the chance of losing it.

"You can probably with the presidency without Ohio but I wouldn't want to take the risk and no Republican has," Portman said on ABC's This Week.

Portman has been assisting Romney with debate preparation, playing the role of President Barack Obama. He has also hit the campaign trail with Romney in Ohio.

The latest CNN Poll of Polls in Ohio shows Obama leading Romney among likely voters, 50%-47%. The CNN Poll of Polls is an average of three Ohio polls of likely voters conducted after the first presidential debate. According to polls conducted in Ohio last month, Obama had a seven to 10 point lead.

"We're doing great in Ohio," Portman said. "And the momentum is on our side."

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