COLUMBUS – John McCain’s chief booster in Ohio, Rob Portman reacted to the projected loss of the state to Barack Obama.

“If Senator Obama wins Ohio it will be because of terrific grassroots efforts on both the Obama parts, but particular impressive turnout efforts on the Obama side,” Portman said, adding that he Republican turnout in the state will extraordinarily high.

The former U.S. representative from Cincinnati said the economy’s shape also contributed to the expected Obama win.

Portman said Republican volunteers did a terrific effort and people shouldn’t quickly discount the Ohio Republican Party’s efforts.

Portman said Republicans now have the opportunity to regroup and reflect, returning to its truly fiscal conservative roots. In addition, the party must come up with “innovative policy solutions to the tough problems we face,” including health care and energy.