Portman Courts Controversy Yet Again

Once again Robert Portman’s press secretary had to pull out the “I” word: inappropriate.

At least that’s how they’ve described the latest outrageous statements from Portman’s associates so far. This time it came in the form of “birther” jokes from former state Rep. Jim Buchy and current Rep. James Zehringer while speaking before Portman at the Darke County Lincoln Day Dinner over the weekend.

But the best part, to me at least, is the full statement from the Portman camp:

"The comments were inappropriate, but it's unfortunate that all Democrats have to offer are cheap political attacks meant to distract people from the economic serious challenges we're facing in Ohio. Rob Portman will continue to focus on developing solutions to help Ohioans get back to work.”

Um… guys? That’s exactly what we’re attacking you for! Birther jokes are cheap, political attacks. So why do you spend far more time talking about Democrats and only offer up four words on the jokes?

But hey, don’t judge the man just by the company he keeps. You also need to consider the disgraceful job he did in the Bush Administration.