Speculation has begun over who will replace Ohio Republican George Voinovich in the United State Senate.
Voinovich, the former Cleveland mayor and Ohio governor, announced Monday he will not seek a third term in 2010.
Republicans are tossing out the name of Rob Portman, of Terrace Park, the former U.S. congressman, U.S. trade representative and director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
"He is someone we would like to see in higher office," said Alex Triantafilou, chairman of Hamilton County's Republican Party.
Democrats may counter with current Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher or Congressman Tim Ryan, according to Hamilton County Democratic Party chairman Tim Burke.
"I think we've got real opportunity here," Burke said, referring to a Democratic administration under President-elect Barack Obama.
Having served in public office for 44 years, Voinovich said he and his wife, Janet, decided that they need to spend more time with their three children and seven grandchildren.
Two years remain in his term and Voinovich said he still has the fire in his belly to do the work of the nation. However, he acknowledged that the challenges ahead are huge.
"In my lifetime of public service I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances," Voinovich told reporters in Washington, D.C. "That's coming from someone who was Mayor of the City of Cleveland after it went into default and that comes from someone who was Governor of Ohio and inherited a billion-and-a-half dollar debt."
"Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges as a nation and a world," the Senator added.
Voinovich said he remains in good health and will turn 74-years-old in 2010.
