Adam Mathews opened the meeting with regular Kiwanis business.

Kiwanis then showed a video from the Republican Conference featuring facts and opinions on the COVID vaccine; video will be released later on.

Brad Knapp introduced Rob Portman (after some technical difficulties), during which he thanked Sen. Portman for his editorial in today’s Cincinnati Enquirer.

Sen. Portman spoke about the pandemic – he thinks we will get through this very soon. He also thanked the clubs on behalf of the Golden Lamb. He then talked about the coming vaccine; they are 90-95% efficacy, as compared to 35% efficacy for flu vaccine. He also talked about needing a lack of politics on the vaccine. Portman stated that he feels Congress needs to get through the “bridge” until March/April, when the vaccine is available. Sen. Portman then moved on to the election, with a summary of election results and an outline of the Senate race down in Georgia. Sen. Portman then talked about upcoming bills regarding saving for retirement. He also thanked both clubs for their work with the community. He closed out his talk by mentioning that he went out with President Oda to dedicate the monument for the Rotary Club’s 100-year anniversary.

Q&A Session

Megan Manuel asked about the transfer of power and whether Sen. Portman believes it will be peaceful – Sen. Portman answered that he does believe it will happen peacefully. He also stated that there will always be election fraud, but this election probably wasn’t affected by the small numbers of fraudulent ballots.

Linda Oda asked if conservatives merely feel a media bias, or does Portman believe it exists – Sen. Portman agrees there is huge bias in media, and referenced a recent statement from Carl Bernstein about 21 senators who have contempt for Trump; Sen. Portman denied it, said it was irresponsible.

Jennifer Long asked if the Senate can represent Warren County and earn the citizens’ trust – Sen. Portman said he hopes we can work together, and that the Speaker of the House will be important.

Linda Oda mentioned that the Rotary Club would love to get Sen. Portman back for a centennial gala – Sen. Portman said he’d love to be there.

Aaron Reid mentioned that he’s been working with the Department of Labor regarding regulations and workforce reform, and offered to be a spokesperson for Sen. Portman.

Adam Mathews called the end of the meeting, and had Brad Knapp and Linda Oda pull winners for the Kiwanis raffle fundraiser.