They’re dropping like flies.
We’ve barely had time to digest the turkey, let alone the presidential election in about two years. And yet two presumptive presidential candidates have already stated publicly since Thanksgiving that they are passing the baton to someone else.
Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) did so on Sunday; Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) yesterday followed suit: :
Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman will not run for president in 2016, he announced overdue Monday night. in a statement. Portman said he instead plans to run for re-election to the Senate in 2016, where he believes he 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 said. “While I appreciate the encouragement I have received from many people to run for president, I remain focused on Ohio and running for re-election to the Senate in 2016.” Portman was seen as a potential 2016 presidential candidate since being vetted, but was ultimately not chosen to be Mitt Romney’s 2012 running mate.
What to do? Join the crowded field of ambitious juvenile Republicans, or hedge your bets by focusing on running for re-election? Apparently door number two sounded much more attractive to Senator Portman. Meanwhile, Portman would also be “first Republican to support gay marriage,” according to CNN, to enter the fray, making the outcome in conservative early voting states like Iowa and South Carolina all but a foregone conclusion.
Nevertheless, he did not definitely slam the door after answering the call. The Columbus’s shipment explains what do I mean?: :
Although Portman has stated that he is not interested in being the vice presidential running mate for the eventual Republican nominee, he categorically did not rule out that he would be on the list of candidates in 2016. While Republicans held their convention in Cleveland in 2016. Portman would be considered a potential Republican running mate. No Republican has ever won the White House without Ohio.
“That’s not what I’m looking for, and as you know, it’s impossible to look for it anywayPortman said. “I’m not interested. I don’t put myself out there. I am interested in running for re-election and continuing to serve Ohioans in a more productive Senate.”
This doesn’t sound like a guy particularly interested in greener and more prestigious pastures than the U.S. Senate. I suspect that, as in 2012, Portman will perform more a supportive, behind-the-scenes role in the 2016 campaign
But we’ll see.
