Here's why one GOP strategist foresees a chaotic mess in the battle to replace a Senate Republican

25 January 2021

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio delivered a major bombshell on Monday when he announced that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2022 midterms. Portman cited "partisan gridlock" as a key factor in his decision. And there has been no shortage of reactions to Portman's decision.

BuzzFeed's Henry J. Gomez reported that a GOP strategist in Ohio sent him a text saying, "Well, this will be a total shit show." Republicans who are being mentioned as possible contenders for the GOP nomination in Ohio's 2022 Senate race range from far-right Rep. Jim Jordan to Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to former State Treasurer Josh Mandel.

Brendan Buck, a ex-staffer to for two former Republican House speakers — John Boehner and Paul Ryan — pointed to Portman's decision as proof that "Congress is no place for a sensible Republican anymore."

Never Trump conservative Amanda Carpenter, known for her commentary on CNN and articles for The Bulwark, implied that since he isn't seeking reelection, Portman now has no excuse for not voting to convict former President Donald Trump in his forthcoming impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate.

Here are some more reactions to Portman's announcement:

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