Fisher takes Ohio Democratic primary for Senate seat

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher won the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat from Ohio.

Fisher, who is Jewish, defeated Jennifer Brunner, the Ohio secretary of state, in Tuesday’s primary and will face Rob Portman, a former U.S. Trade Representative and congressman, in the general election. Portman won the Republican primary. Both candidates have close ties to the pro-Israel community.

Gov. Ted Strickland backed Fisher, who has a long history in state politics, in the primary. Fisher also has served as attorney general and, as a state legislator, passed one of the country’s pioneering hate crimes laws. He came close to winning the governorship in 1998.

The seat is open because Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) is retiring.