“I think Republican leaders should stand up and say that what she said is totally unacceptable,” the Ohio senator told CNN’s Dana Bash about the “State of the Union.” “I saw some videos over the weekend and one of them had to do with violence as I see it. There is no place for violence in our political dialogue. In fact, there is no place for violence in our country. I mean, this is something we have to get away from. So yes. I think people should speak clearly. “
Asked whether Greene, who was appointed to the House’s Education and Work Committee, if she is stripped of her duties on the committee, Portman said the action could “send a message”.
“I suppose it is something they are looking at and I would not be surprised if that happened. And you know, I think it’s the way to send a message, ”he said. “The voters who elected you in your district in Georgia, you know, must be respected. On the other hand, when this type of behavior occurs, there must be a strong response.”
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, a Republican, told Bash on Sunday that he rejected “pleas for violence and conspiracy”, agreeing with Greene’s comments, but without directly mentioning her name.
“I saw the story you are referring to and if it is needed, what is happening is absolutely unacceptable and the (minority House) leader (Kevin) McCarthy will handle it,” he said in a separate interview on ” State of the Union. ” “But I don’t think it’s just on our side, there were extremes on both sides that muddy the waters in terms of what is happening now.”
GOP Senator Mitt Romney, a frequent critic of Trump, responded to Greene’s announcement of his connection to the former president in a tweet of his own, saying: “Equal lies come together: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s nonsense and the ‘big lie ‘of a stolen election. “
CNN previously reported that McCarthy plans to speak to Greene next week about his previous comments and posts.
“Well, she is a friend. I am biased. I think she is very smart and plays a key role in our party, especially in Foreign Affairs, so I hope they don’t take that path. I think it is important to have your voice in the process and my feeling is that she has a lot of support at the Republican Conference, “said Portman.
“I am in the Senate, not the Chamber and the members of the Chamber, as it used to be, I hate that senators tell them what to do. The truth is that I think she is very valuable to the team and a great leader.”
CNN’s Veronica Stracqualursi and Jamie Gangel contributed to this report.