Portman secures another union endorsement over Democratic challenger in Ohio

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) on Tuesday picked up a critical endorsement from Ohio’s largest law enforcement union in his marquee Senate race against Democrat Ted Strickland.

{mosads}The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) of Ohio, which boasts a membership of more than 25,000, endorsed Portman, citing the incumbent’s commitment to the community.

“We are proud to endorse Rob Portman for U.S. Senate and look forward to working with him,” said Jay McDonald, the union’s president. “His support for our community is unmatched, and we are grateful for all he has done.”

The state FOP notably backed Strickland’s 2006 and 2010 gubernatorial runs but also has a history of backing Republican candidates, including Portman in his 2010 Senate run, according to Cincinnati Enquirer.

The endorsement comes one day after the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, which represents over 50,000 members, announced it would back the GOP senator. The union had previously endorsed Strickland in his gubernatorial campaigns and Sen. Sherrod Brown’s bid (D-Ohio) for the U.S. Senate.

Portman also received support from the United Mine Workers of America in early June.

Strickland’s campaign announced earlier Tuesday that the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters had endorsed his Senate run, noting that the former governor has received endorsements from more than 40 other labor unions.

Portman, who holds a significant cash advantage over Strickland, is facing a tough reelection battle in a state that voted for President Obama in 2008 and 2012. The race in the Buckeye State could be pivotal in determining which party controls the Senate majority.

A RealClearPolitics polling average shows a tight race, with Portman leading by 4 percentage points. Some recent polls show the race in a dead heat.