the senatorial debate in columbus. voters go to the. number eight to elect ohio's. this evening you will hear from the leading candidates in the race. senator rob portman, the in ohio wasncumbent lifted in 2010. senator portman: was born and raised in cincinnati. ted strickland is the democratic candidate for senate, serving as ohio's governor from 20,70 -- f rom 2007 to 2011. let us introduce our panelists. the political anchor for wbns 10 tv. and tanker at wbms 10 tv, public affairs editor at the columbus dispatch. also joining us in the studio with questions from viewers throughout the evening is our anchor kristyn hartman. our anger has agreed upon the rules set up for the debate. we begin with a two-minute opening statement. candidates have 90 seconds to answer questions. the opposing candidates has opposing 90 seconds for a response. that questioned candidate will have 30 seconds for rebuttal. questions alternate between senator portland and governor strickland. at the end of the hour each candidate will be permitted a two-minute closing statement. a coin toss has determined an important will go first. it is time to begin with opening statements. sen. portman: it's great