Sen. Rob Portman Tuesday said former President Donald Trump's upcoming impeachment trial played no role with his decision to not seek another term and will play no role in how he handles his responsibility as a senator to take part in the proceedings.
"I'm a juror and will listen to both sides as I did last time," the Ohio Republican said on Fox News' "America's Newsroom." "I am going to ask a number of questions. One is about constitutionality. The president is gone from office and impeachment, in general, is viewed as removing someone from office and the Constitution focuses on that."
Still, Portman said that Trump's actions on Jan. 6, before his supporters stormed the Capitol, were "inexcusable."
"He shouldn't have done it," said Portman. "I spoke out clearly about it, as I have when other people have used language and said things that pull us further apart than help us come together. The question is how do we heal our country at this point? How do we figure out a way to solve the big problems? It starts with trusting and working with each other and finding that common ground."
Portman on Monday, citing partisan gridlock, said he won't seek reelection when his current term expires in 2022.
He said Tuesday he loves public service, but it's become harder to find a middle ground.
"I like to get stuff done, but I've been doing it for 30 years on and off," said Portman, who has served in the Senate for 10 years, in the House for 12, and in former President George H.W. Bush's administration.
"I love my family and I love being home and I love the private sector," said Portman. "It is a personal decision also."
Portman also said Tuesday the differences among the different factions of the Republican Party are not irreconcilable, as both sides are based on policies and ideals.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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