[img_assist|nid=1856|title=Portman speaks to McCain volunteers Lewis Center on Tuesday|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=left|width=420|height=240]LEWIS CENTER - Rob Portman traveled to a GOP Victory center to boost morale among Republicans who being inundated with lackluster national polls for John McCain and a barrage of advertisements by Barack Obama.

Portman (R-Cincinnati) made the case to volunteers that McCain can win Ohio because of their get-out-the-vote efforts and the public's rejection of Obama's economic message. Despite being outspent in advertising, Obama isn't gaining traction, he said.

"If you turn on your TV, you'll see a lot of ads, but it's not working," Portman said. "If they're out spending us 4 to 1 and we're coming back in the polls nationally and winning Ohio something else is going on."

Portman told PolitickerOH.com people are worried about Obama's tax plan.

"'Joe the Plumber' put a face on what a lot of undecided voters are worried about," he said, "which is: is he going to raise my taxes, is he going to hurt my small-business job?"

Portman said raising the top personal income tax rates will hurt small businesses because most are taxed under those rates. McCain's tax position has gained favor among voters because he doesn't want to further tax small businesses but doesn't want to cut tax rates for the wealthiest, Portman said.

In addition, "Joe the Plumber" and McCain's third debate performance cut through favorable press coverage for Obama, he said.

"It's not like people haven't been looking at these two candidates in relation to the economy generally and their circumstance. What they're doing now though, I think, is listening more carefully and looking more carefully," Portman said. "I think some of the national media are trying to kind of seal the deal for Senator Obama but the people are starting to speak."

Portman brought up foreign policy in his pep talk to supporters, mentioning Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden's statement that an international crisis will be "generated" to test Obama within his first six months as president.

"Gosh, that's the point we're making," he said. "Once again Joe Biden comes through for us - yes!"

Portman said the Victory effort has made as many voter contacts at the end of last week as the entire coordinated campaign did for the entire 2004 election.

Portman will head to Summit County Wednesday to talk to volunteers.