(610 WTVN) Speaking with 610 WTVN's Joel Riley, VP short lister Ohio Senator Rob Portman says he's better served where he is, in the US Senate.

After calling Portman a rising star in the GOP, Riley asked his frequent guest if it's still true that he'd like to continue to apply that leverage as an Ohio Senator.

"It is maybe even truer. No look, I am happy where I am, I'm fortunate to get to represent our state, and I was elected in 2010 because of my interest in trying to help move our country forward and our state forward here in the US Senate, so that's where I intend to stay."

After discussing the campaign and his preference for it be more about the hard issues the country faces rather than the class warfare, mud-slinging, and negativity, Portman addresses the Vice President job after being asked who his choice would be, since he's not on the short list.

"I like (Tim) Pawlenty a lot, I know him pretty well, in fact I've been with him in Ohio." Portman also named other Senators in Marco Rubio, John Thune, and Kelly Ayotte as all strong candidates.

"I'll say one more thing Joel, and I know this could disappiont some of the folks in the media who focus a lot on this VP pick, people vote for the President."