Most discussions of Mitt Romney’s presidential hopes note two things: No Republican candidate has ever won the presidency without winning Ohio and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman is very often these days at Mitt Romney’s side.  And not just on Romney’s many visits to the Buckeye State. 

In fact, Portman will be beside Romney when his bus tours the state Sunday. But he’s also expected to campaign solo for Romney in North Carolina Friday. He’s already done that in South Carolina and other states. 

Still, Portman dodges the question when he’s asked if he would say yes if Romney offered to make him his running mate.

 “Well, you know I’m interested in staying where I am, I think I can make a big difference here for Ohio and for our country. As I’ve said many times in response to the question about what I’ve talked to the campaign about or haven’t, I’m leaving that up to the campaign. I just don’t get into it.” 

A ranking this week by the National Journal puts Portman at the top of the list of Romney’s potential running mates.