Union that used to back Strickland decides not to in Senate race

The decision not to endorse a candidate is a victory for Portman because the council in the past has backed Strickland in other races. The 21-member council’s executive board discussed the race at its meeting in Columbus and finally opted not to back either candidate.

“We have endorsed Ted Strickland on a number of occasions,” said Dennis Duffey, secretary treasurer of the 94,000-member organization.

But Duffey said Portman “has been very helpful to us on a number of causes over the past three years. He understands our industry. Even though Ted has been a good friend for a long time,” the board chose “not to insult either one of them who have been very helpful to us.”