WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Richard Armey, R-Texas, is expected to announce today that he is retiring at the end of next year, a decision that might open leadership positions for two lawmakers from Greater Cincinnati.

        Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, are being mentioned as possible candidates for the job, the second-highest post in the House.

        But they'd have to overcome House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who would likely run for Mr. Armey's leadership post if Mr. Armey were to retire after the 2002 session.

        Aides to Mr. Portman and Mr. Boehner immediately said it was too early to speculate on leadership elections more than a year away but said the lawmakers were keeping all options open.

        “At this point, Majority Leader Armey has made no announcement about his future, and it would be premature to comment until then,” Mr. Portman said. “But it's obviously an honor to be mentioned by colleagues as a possible candidate for a leadership post.”

        A spokesman for Mr. Boehner said now was the time for lawmakers to appreciate Mr. Armey, one of the leading conservatives in Congress, for his accomplishments.

        It was unlikely that Mr. Portman and Mr. Boehner would run against each other for a leadership post, either for majority leader or majority whip, if Mr. DeLay leaves that post to run for majority leader. A challenge against Mr. DeLay, who is known for his combativeness, also would be a tough campaign.

        Both Ohio lawmakers are influential with the Republican Party and the White House and would not be served by a bloody fight against each other that could put friends in a difficult position. But both lawmakers also have future leadership ambitions and likely would seize the opportunity if it could be accomplished without causing lasting rifts within the party.

        Mr. Portman is House liaison to the White House and has close ties to Mr. Bush.

        Mr. Boehner, chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, lost his post as conference chairman when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was swept from power a few years ago.

        He has carefully rebuilt his standing by raising money for other Republicans and taking a prominent role on several complicated issues, including health-care and education reform.

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