Portman Rakes In $500k for Romney

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a top prospect for the GOP vice presidential slot, hosted fundraisers in his state this week that brought in more than $500,000 for Mitt Romney’s campaign, two knowledgeable GOP sources told Politico.

On Monday, Portman helped generate $200,000 of donations at a Columbus Club event in the state’s capital. And on Tuesday, Portman and Frank Sullivan, CEO of industrial conglomerate RPM International, hosted a reception at the company’s headquarters in Medina that raked in more than $300,000.

That kind of fundraising prowess may raise Portman’s status in Romney’s eyes. The freshman senator, a former White House budget director, occupies the top of Romney’s running mate list along with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, knowledgeable strategists say.

Adding to the campaign’s cash coffers represents an important function for vice presidential candidates. Portman attracted $16.5 million during his 2010 Senate campaign, dusting his Democratic opponent Lee Fisher by more than $10 million.

Portman’s Promoting Our Republican Team leadership PAC (PORT PAC) has garnered almost $1.2 million this election cycle, some of which went to GOP House and Senate candidates.

“When you look at it more broadly, the fundraising he’s been able to do through his PORT PAC and re-election campaign shows a history and strong ability to raise money,” a GOP source told Politico. “And that will be important as you head into a tough general election campaign.”