Senator's switch personal not political

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio announced a change of heart through an op-ed in a Columbus newspaper.   You could say it was because of his heart.

One of the Senator's sons is gay and Portman believes now he should have the same opportunities as his other children for a lifelong union with someone he loves.

"Talking to my pastor and other religious leaders and going through a process of, at the end, changing my position on the issue, " Portman said.

Rob Scott, Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party, spoke exclusively with 2 NEWS after hearing from Portman himself.

Scott told 2 NEWS, "I wouldn't say it shakes the party up. I mean, when Senator Portman contacted me about it he had said it wasn't about politics, it's a very personal decision."

We tried to speak with Senator Portman, but his spokesperson told us he is on vacation with his sons and not available for interview right now.

Portman's Democratic counterpart, Senator Sherrod Brown, was in Dayton and responded this way, "I wish it had happened before because this has been a divisive issue in this state. It's caused a lot of people anguish and hardship and I welcome Senator Portman after many years in coming in support of civil rights and recognizing and family values are all about loving God's children."

Scott told 2 NEWS Senator Portman believes the marriage issue should be left up to the states, but Scott doesn't see Ohio opening the door to marrying same-sex partners.He sees Portman's position as personal not political.

"He's always been about economics, jobs, growth, tax, trade. He assured me that it was still going to be about that.  He's not going be a champion of gay marriage."

Portman's announcement comes a week before the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on an act that would bar same-sex marriages from federal recognition, an act that Rob Portman himself sponsored.