No President Portman in 2016

On Tuesday, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced that he would not seek the presidency in 2016, and will instead run for re-election. In a released statement, he said, "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.  I don't think I can run for president and be an effective senator at the same time.” In the last few elections, Mr. Portman has played Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, John Edwards and Barack Obama in the debate prep for the GOP presidential and vice presidential nominees.  It is rumored that he was also on the VP shortlist for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.).  Mr. Portman would likely be considered again for the #2 spot, but he has stated that he would prefer to not be considered for the job.  That doesn’t mean the next nominee won’t have him high on his or her list. Before returning to Congress, Mr. Portman served as President George W. Bush's Director of the Office of Management and Budget after a short stint as the administration's U.S. Trade Representative.  Before that, the Senator was elected to six terms in the House of Representatives. For more information, please contact David Ashinoff at (202) 547-5013 or ashinoffd@agc.org.