U.S. Sen. Portman to seek re-election

Ohio Republican previously said he'd consider run for president

12/2/2014

BLADE STAFF

Sen. Rob Portman

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from Ohio who previously said he might consider a run for president, today issued a statement saying he plans instead to run for re-election to his Senate seat.

“It’s a great honor to represent the people of Ohio in the U.S. Senate, and I have decided to run for re-election in 2016. I am excited about continuing to serve, especially with the change in the Senate leadership," he said in a prepared statement.

“With the new Republican majority, I see a real opportunity over the next two years to break the gridlock in Washington and actually get things done to help Ohioans and all Americans. That's where I believe I can play the most constructive role."

Mr. Portman, a former congressman, U.S. trade representative, and White House budget chief, was among those considered as 2012 nominee Mitt Romney’s running mate before Mr. Romney picked Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

In a presidential race, the senator was expected to face opposition from some conservatives for his decision last year to support gay marriage after announcing that his son was gay.

In his statement, Mr. Portman said he can't "run for president and be an effective senator at the same time."