Senator Portman could be in running for Romney's VP - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Sen. Portman could be in running for Romney's VP

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13abc.com Jacqueline Policastro - email
WASHINGTON -

One of the top picks for candidates to run alongside Mitt Romney in November if he wins the Republican nomination is a familiar face in Ohio. Senator Rob Portman is currently at the top of the list.

What does Portman have that other political superstars don't?  13abc's Jacqueline Policastro headed to Capitol Hill to find out.

Vice President Rob Portman -- it's a very real possibility. Portman's support in Ohio brings a critical state into the mix for Mitt Romney.

"No Republican has ever been elected president without winning Ohio," says Greg Giroux at Bloomberg News. "I think that helps Portman."

Portman's been a major leader on trade, budget, and pension issues before they were politically sexy.

"I sat next to Rob Portman for a decade on the Ways and Means Committee. He's a good personal friend," says former congressman Phil English. "He is in an extraordinary position to add something to the Republican ticket this year."

That "something" is experience that Mitt Romney simply doesn't have.

Romney spent most of his career in the private sector. Portman has spent his in the House, Senate, and The White House.

A group of Romney advisors will vet the candidates and explore their options. Portman's experience working in the Bush administration could invite negative jabs.

And Portman doesn't bring a political niche to the ticket. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida could appeal to Hispanic voters. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie could reel in swing voters.

Portman, though, is well vetted, some say better than any other candidate Romney could pick.

"A Romney-Portman ticket would be one that would give the voters a great deal of confidence and the ability of the number two to take over if something happened in the presidency," English says.

Portman has not commented on the possibility of running as a vice presidential candidate, although he has told reporters in the past that his wife already says he isn't home enough.

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