Rob Portman Passes on Running for President in 2016

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, announced on Tuesday that he will not run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2016, Portman said. I am excited about continuing to serve, especially with the change in the Senate leadership.

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, Portman added. 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.

Portman was not a factor in most polls and, on Tuesday, CNN released a new poll showing him trailing the other possible candidates with less than 1 percent. But hailing from one of the largest swing states, Portman should expect to be back in a familiar position come 2016: the shortlist of vice presidential candidates. Portman was considered by former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., to be his running mate in 2012.