Portman endorses Romney for president

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's Republican U.S. senator is endorsing Mitt Romney to be the party's nominee for president.

Sen. Rob Portman said in a statement issued early Thursday that he hadn't planned on backing anyone so early in the primary schedule. But he says he has become convinced that the former Massachusetts governor is the right person to lead the nation in what Portman calls "perilous times."

The Ohioan says Romney's policy positions, debate performances and character make him the best candidate to take on President Barack Obama.

Romney says it's an honor to have the senator's support.

Portman says he thinks the GOP will have better chances in November if the party gets behind one candidate now and stops attacks among Republicans.

Ohio's primary is March 6.