SOUTH POINT — Everyone knows Rob Portman plans to run for the U.S. Senate but he took the opportunity to visit southern Ohio Friday and talk about what he plans to do if he is elected.

Portman stopped at the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce for a few minutes to locally announce he plans to seek the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.

Voinovich recently announced that he would not be seeking a third term in 2010.

Portman’s announcement tour has included stops in Lebanon, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

“My heart is in public service. Just as it was an honor to serve the people of Southern Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, so it would be an honor to serve all Ohioans in the U.S. Senate,” Portman said. “At a difficult time in our state and national economy, I believe I can make a positive difference in the lives of people throughout Ohio.”

“Our economy is in crisis, and Ohio has been hit especially hard. We need proven leadership with a track record of cutting through partisan politics in Washington to address the many challenges we face. We can only restore Ohio’s greatness if we enact common-sense policies and innovative solutions that will bring jobs and opportunities back to Ohio,” Portman said.

As the nation’s former trade negotiator, Portman opened new markets around the world for U.S. exports while increasing enforcement of trade laws.

He is also regarded a no-nonsense budget hawk, and as Director of Office of Management and Budget, Portman instilled fiscal discipline, proposing a balanced budget and instituting greater transparency in how the government spends taxpayers money.