Ohio Sen. Rob Portman reacts to Romney's VP choice

CINCINNATI - The political world was abuzz Saturday as Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan was officially announced as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's running mate.

Prior to Saturday's announcement, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman was considered to be a favorite among Romney's potential choices. A Republican familiar with the situation told ABC News that Portman learned he was not chosen from Romney himself Friday night.

Portman released the following statement Saturday morning:

"Mitt Romney has made a great choice in Paul Ryan. He is an accomplished public servant and a leading voice on the most pressing issues facing our country. Paul is one of my best friends in Congress and someone I have worked closely with as a former colleague on the House Ways & Means Committee.

"Jane and I wish Paul and Janna and their kids the very best. As the Chairman of the Romney campaign in Ohio, I look forward to working with Paul to ensure that the Romney-Ryan ticket carries Ohio and is victorious in November. Most importantly, as a member of the Senate, I look forward to working closely with a Romney-Ryan Administration to restore fiscal sanity and enact pro-growth policies to create jobs.”