A Trump Buffer? Portman Plans Own ‘Mini-Convention’ in Cleveland
- Ohio senator's campaign says planning began before Trump surge
- Activities including building Habitat house may offer distance
Senator Rob Portman applauds during a town hall meeting with Republican presidential candidate John Kasich on Jan. 31, 2016, in Bow, New Hampshire.
Photographer: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Before Donald Trump, the decision to hold the Republican National Convention in Cleveland looked like a coup for Ohio Senator Rob Portman.
Now, it’s looking more like a nightmare for Portman, who is facing a tough re-election. One saving grace may be the Ohioan’s long-standing plan to hold his own events outside the convention perimeter to reward his supporters. That "mini-convention" could distance Portman from the polemic GOP front-runner, who has warned of riots if he’s denied the nomination.