Key Senate race in Ohio showing increasing promise for GOP

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman is rolling out another endorsement from a labor union that had previously endorsed his Democratic opponent, former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. It's the latest in a string of developments that has Republicans increasingly optimistic about keeping the crucial swing state in their column in November as they battle to retain Senate control.

The endorsement Wednesday from Local 18 of the International Union of Operating Engineers comes after Portman also announced backing from branches of the Teamsters, and the Mine Workers, which also switched their allegiance from Strickland.

Portman also is overwhelming Strickland in fundraising, leaving some Democrats privately voicing concerns about the former governor's campaign. Nonetheless Democrats remain optimistic about their chances in Ohio since the state tends to favor Democrats in presidential election years.