A Welcome Portman In A Storm

Former Rep. Rob Portman announced his intention this morning to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. George Voinovich. Portman, who led the Office of Management and Budget and served as U.S. Trade Rep. during President Bush's administration, becomes the first GOPer to enter the fray.

"I understand some of the pressures that businesses are facing right now as they try to create jobs and opportunity," Portman said. "I understand what middle-class families are going through in Ohio. We have got to put politics aside in Washington and solve these problems."

Portman represented OH's 2nd District for a dozen years before entering the administration. He was rumored last year to be on John McCain's short list for veep. He is wonky and well-respected, a lawmaker who gravitates to issues like pension reform and, while party loyal, has a reputation for working across the aisle. He also has the national network necessary to raise the $25M or more the race is expected to cost.

There are other Republicans considering a bid, including Auditor Mary Taylor and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, according to local published reports. And former OH Sec. of State Ken Blackwell, who is vying for the Republican National Committee chairmanship, is another high profile Republican who, depending on the outcome of the party contest, could seek the seat.

Today, however, House Republican Leader John Boehner, who represents OH's 8th District, endorsed Portman, saying there is "no stronger candidate to represent Ohio" and that he has the "unique ability to build a consensus around his core principles."

"Rob is a capable and principled reformer, well-liked throughout the Buckeye State and well-known for his commitment to policies that help create new jobs," Boehner said in a statement. "With Congressional Democrats plotting to increase government spending to unprecedented levels, America will need an experienced public servant like Ohio’s Rob Portman to help keep Washington from burying our children under mountains of debt.

“Rob has spent his career advocating for everyday families and small businesses, and has been an important partner in the fight against wasteful spending. For example, in Congress he was instrumental in crafting legislation to strengthen retirement options for workers. And his tenure as OMB Director led to the first-ever online earmark database accessible to the public -- an important tool for taxpayers weary of runaway pork-barrel spending."

(JENNIFER SKALKA)