Ohio's Test of Protectionist Rage

It's never a bad idea to watch Ohio—the classic big, industrialized swing state—in an important political year, and that's especially true this year.

In particular, keep an eye on Ohio's big Senate and governor's races, for there an important proposition is being put to the test—the proposition that supporting free trade is a losing message amid hard economic times, especially in the industrialized heartland.

Free trade is proving a devisive issue in the current races

for Senate and Governor in Ohio. The outcome of those

races will be important in determining the national dialogue

on trade. Jerry Seib reports.

Right now, both Republican contenders in those races—Rob Portman for the Senate and John Kasich for governor—are coming under fire for their past support of free trade. The fact that both enjoy big poll leads right now suggests the attacks have had limited effect so far.

A key question in the campaign stretch run, both for Ohio and for policy making in Washington after the election, is whether that remains the case.

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