Ohio Sen. Rob Portman endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president Saturday in a bit of Buckeye State Republican love.
“I have decided to endorse Governor John Kasich for President because he is a leader who has a proven record of delivering results. John is a leader who has a proven record of delivering results,” Portman said of Kasich in a statement. “John turned Ohio around at a tough time and I believe he can do the same for our country. I have known John for over 20 years and consider him a good friend.”
Portman and Kasich served in House together. Both won statewide office in Ohio in 2010.
Portman, a mild-mannered former head of the White House’ s Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Trade Representative under President George W. Bush, is a consummate establishment Republican. He is an ally of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and was on Mitt Romney’s short list for a running mate in 2012. Portman is known in part for being one of the first Senate Republicans to announce support for gay marriage.
Kasich is a relative moderate among Republicans seeking the presidential nomination. Stuck in single digits in polls, he hopes to boost his campaign with a strong showing in New Hampshire’s primary. He has acknowledged he is likely to drop out if he fails to beat expectations there.
Portman faces a tough re-election contest this year in the bellweather swing state of Ohio.
