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Rob Portman

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Rob Portman
United States Senator
from Ohio
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Serving with Sherrod Brown
Preceded byGeorge Voinovich
35th Director of the Office of Management and Budget
In office
May 29, 2006 – June 19, 2007
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byJoshua Bolten
Succeeded byJim Nussle
14th United States Trade Representative
In office
May 17, 2005 – May 29, 2006
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byRobert Zoellick
Succeeded bySusan Schwab
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Ohio's 2nd district
In office
May 4, 1993 – May 17, 2005
Preceded byBill Gradison
Succeeded byJean Schmidt
Personal details
Born
Robert Jones Portman

(1955-12-19) December 19, 1955 (age 68)
Cincinnati, Ohio
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJane Portman
ResidenceTerrace Park, Ohio
Alma materDartmouth College (B.A.)
University of Michigan (J.D.)
ProfessionAttorney
WebsiteSenator Rob Portman
Rob Portman's website

Robert Jones "Rob" Portman (born December 19, 1955) is the junior United States Senator from Ohio. He is a member of the Republican Party.[1] He succeeded retiring Senator George Voinovich.[2]

From 1993 to 2005, Portman served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 2nd congressional district, which stretches along the Ohio River from the Hamilton County suburbs of Cincinnati east to Scioto County and Pike County. Portman won seven consecutive congressional elections with over 70 percent of the vote.[3][4]

Portman served in two federal cabinet positions under the administration of President George W. Bush. From May 2005 to May 2006, he was the U.S. Trade Representative. From May 2006 to June 2007, he was Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).[4] He has consistently received praise from Republicans and Democrats for knowledge and bipartisan work in trade and budget affairs. Portman has stated that he supported the government backed rescue plan for the American auto industry which gained the support of a majority of Americans in 2012.[5][6] He is considered a potential name for Vice President on the Republican presidential ticket in 2012.[7]

Early life

Portman was born in 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Joan (née Jones) and entrepreneur William C. "Bill" Portman II. [8] When he was young, his father borrowed money to start the Portman Equipment Company, a forklift dealership where he and his siblings all worked growing up. The company grew from a small business with five employees and Joan Portman as bookkeeper to one that employed over 300 people.[9] According to a 2010 Weekly Standard profile, Portman "developed a political philosophy grounded in entrepreneurship," having grown up "[hearing] talk about regulations, and taxes, and government getting in the way of small business" because of his early experiences with his family business.[3]

Portman graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1974 and went on to attend Dartmouth College, where he majored in anthropology and earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1979. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1984[10][11] and worked for two years as an international trade attorney at the Washington, D.C., law firm of Patton Boggs.[citation needed]

Portman returned to Cincinnati in 1986 and was employed at the law firm Graydon, Head, and Ritchey (GH&R).[citation needed] In 1989, he began his career in public service working for President George H. W. Bush as Associate White House Counsel. He later served as Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs until 1991 when he returned to Cincinnati and became a partner at GH&R. Two years later, he was elected to the House of Representatives.[citation needed]

Portman and his wife Jane are residents of Terrace Park in Hamilton County. They have three children.[12]

U.S. House of Representatives (1993–2005)

Rob Portman speaks on March 17, 2005 at the White House ceremony at which President George W. Bush nominated him to be U.S. Trade Representative, calling him "a good friend, a decent man, and a skilled negotiator."[13]

Elections

In 1993, Portman entered a special election to fill the seat of Congressman Willis D. Gradison Jr., who had stepped down to become president of the Health Insurance Association of America. In the 1993 Republican primary, Portman faced six-term Congressman Bob McEwen, who had lost his Sixth District seat to Ted Strickland in November 1992; real estate developer Jay Buchert, president of the National Association of Home Builders; and several lesser known candidates. During the election campaign, Portman was criticized by Buchert for his previous law firm's work with Haitian President Baby Doc Duvalier. Buchert also called Portman "the handpicked choice of the downtown money crowd" and "a registered foreign agent for the biggest Democrat lobbying firm in Washington," labeling Portman as "Prince Rob."[14]

In the primary, Portman won only Hamilton County, taking 17,531 votes (35.61%) overall. In the general election, Portman defeated his Democratic opponent, attorney Lee Hornberger by 53,020 (70.1%) to 22,652 (29.1%).[15] Portman spent $650,000 in his primary campaign, but only $81,000 in the general election.[citation needed] He was sworn in as a member of the 103rd Congress on May 5, 1993.

Portman was re-elected in 1994, 1996, and 1998, defeating Democrats Les Mann, Thomas R. Chandler, and Waynesville mayor Charles W. Sanders, respectively.[16][17][18] Portman faced Sanders again in the next three elections, and served until accepting the position of U.S. Trade Representative.

Tenure

As a U.S. Representative, Portman authored or co-authored over a dozen bills that became law,[19] including legislation to reform the Internal Revenue Service, curb unfunded mandates,[20] expand pensions, 401(k), and IRA plans offered by small businesses, and create Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Portman also co-authored legislation to swap Costa Rica's debt for the preservation of tropical forests[21] eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of most homes,[citation needed], three bills to promote drug prevention and education,[citation needed] and a bill to help prisoners safely reenter society.[citation needed]

Portman has been credited for being a rational legislator who works with colleagues from both sides of the aisle.[citation needed] Of Portman's work on the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union said, "He set a professional work environment that rose above partisanship and ultimately gave taxpayers more rights."[3] Democratic Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones from Cleveland said Portman, "compared to other Republicans, is pleasant and good to work with."[22]

Portman has said that his proudest moments as a U.S. Representative were "when we passed the balanced budget agreement and the welfare reform bill."[3]

Committee assignments

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Portman was a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and vice chair of the Committee on the Budget. Additionally, during the first four years of the Bush Administration, Portman served as a liaison between Congressional Republicans and the White House.[22]

U.S. Trade Representative (2005–2006)

On March 17, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Portman to be United States Trade Representative,[23][24] and Portman was confirmed on April 29.[25][26] He was sworn in on May 17, 2005.[27] In a special election, Jean Schmidt was elected to fill Portman's seat.

In preparation for the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 2005, Portman proposed large cuts in tariffs and global agriculture subsidies, as well as the elimination of export subsidies. Portman's plan called for deep cuts in subsidies for developed countries, including for the United States, European Union, and Japan; he also called for lesser cuts for developing countries.[28]

Office of Management and Budget Director (2006–2007)

On April 18, 2006, President Bush nominated Portman to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; Portman was confirmed on May 26, 2006. Portman replaced Joshua Bolten, who had been appointed White House Chief of Staff. On June 19, 2007, Portman resigned his position of OMB director, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and three children.[29] During his tenure, the US public debt increased by 469 billion dollars.[30]

Hiatus (2007–2009)

In 2008, Portman founded the Ohio's Future PAC, a political action committee dedicated to ensuring "that the critical policy issues important to Ohioans remain at the forefront of Ohio's political agenda."[31] Portman was quoted in an April 2008 Columbus Dispatch article as saying that the PAC is "obviously a way for me to stay active in the political and policy arena."[32]

In 2008, Portman was cited as a potential running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain.[33][34][35] New York Times columnist David Brooks called Portman "an Ohioan with the mind of a budget director and a mild temperament that is a credit to his Midwestern roots," with an "ideal" résumé.[36]

U.S. Senate

Elections

On January 14, 2009, two days after Ohio Senator George Voinovich announced he would not seek re-election, Portman officially declared his candidacy for the open seat.[citation needed] Portman ran against Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher. According to National Review, by July 2010, Portman had a "9-to-1 cash advantage" over Fisher.[37] Rob won the election a margin of 57 to 39 percent, winning 82 of Ohio's 88 counties.[38]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Tenure in the Senate

Portman voted for[44] the controversial Ryan Budget which seeks to reduce the public debt by 10% by 2050.[45]

Author

In December 2004, Portman and Cheryl Bauer published a book on the 19th century Shaker community at Union Village, in Turtlecreek Township, Warren County, Ohio. The book, entitled Wisdom's Paradise: The Forgotten Shakers of Union Village, was based on a high school paper that Portman had written. Portman became interested in the topic because his maternal grandparents, had decorated their hotel with Shaker furniture and artifacts often purchased at yard sales in the 1930s and 1940s.[citation needed]

Portman, who is an avid canoeist and kayaker, has also published an article on one of his kayak trips. The article, "China by Kayak" appears in the book, First Descents. In Search of Wild Rivers. The article, coauthored by Dan Reicher, is about a kayak trip Portman took in China in 1984. The article also appeared in Small Boat Journal.

See also

Electoral history

Ohio's 2nd congressional district: Results 1994–2004[46]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct
1994 Les Mann 43,730 23% Rob Portman 150,128 77%
1996 Thomas R. Chandler 58,715 23% Rob Portman 186,853 72% Kathleen M. McKnight Natural Law 13,905 5%
1998 Charles W. Sanders 49,293 24% Rob Portman 154,344 76%
2000 Charles W. Sanders 64,091 23% Rob Portman 204,184 74% Robert E. Bidwell Libertarian 9,266 3%
2002 Charles W. Sanders 48,785 26% Rob Portman 139,218 74% *
2004 Charles W. Sanders 89,598 28% Rob Portman ** 227,102 72% *
*Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2002, James Condit, Jr. received 13 votes. In 2004, James Condit, Jr. received 60 votes.

**Portman resigned his term early to serve as U.S. Trade Representative.

U.S. Senate (Class III) elections in Ohio: Results 2010[47]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2010 Lee Fisher 1,448,092 39.00% Rob Portman 2,125,810 57.25%

Notes

  • Michael Barone and Grant Ujifusa. The Almanac of American Politics, 1994. Washington, D.C.: National Journal, 1993. ISBN 0-89234-058-4
  • Michael Barone and Grant Ujifusa. The Almanac of American Politics, 1998. Washington, D.C.: National Journal, 1997. ISBN 0-89234-080-0
  • Michael Barone, Richard E. Cohen, and Grant Ujifusa. The Almanac of American Politics, 2002. Washington, D.C.: National Journal, 2001. ISBN 0-89234-099-1
  • Congressional Quarterly. Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 49th edition, 103rd Congress, 1st Session, 1993. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1994. ISBN 1-56802-020-1.
  • Congressional Quarterly. Politics in America, 1992: The 102nd Congress. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 1991. ISBN 0-87187-599-3
  • United States Congress. "Rob Portman (id: P000449)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

References

  1. ^ "NBC projects Portman win in Ohio; W.Va. too early to call". MSNBC. 11/2/2010. Retrieved 15 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Hallett, Joe (2009-01-14). "Portman enters Senate race | Columbus Dispatch Politics". Dispatchpolitics.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  3. ^ a b c d "More Bad News for Democrats". The Weekly Standard. 2010-03-15. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  4. ^ a b "PORTMAN, Robert Jones – Biographical Information". Bioguide.congress.gov. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  5. ^ Torry, Jack (March 26, 2011).Portman says he always supported GM bailout.Columbus Dispatch.
  6. ^ Reeve, Elspeth (February 23, 2012).Most Americans Now Think Auto Bailout Was a Good Idea.The Atlantic Wire.
  7. ^ Larison, Daniel (2012-02-02) Portman Is The Most Likely Selection for VP, The American Conservative
  8. ^ "Rob Portman ancestry". Freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  9. ^ "About Rob | Rob Portman for U.S. Senate". Robportman.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  10. ^ "U.S. Senator Rob Portman from Ohio (Class 3)". PoliGu. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  11. ^ "PORTMAN, Robert Jones, (1955 – )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  12. ^ Zernike, Kate (2010-07-28). "Rob Portman News – The New York Times". Topics.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  13. ^ Becker, Elizabeth (2005-03-18). "Congressman From Ohio Is Chosen For Trade Post". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  14. ^ "McEwen, Portman targeted in campaign commercial". Daily Times. February 18, 1993.
  15. ^ "Democrats and Republicans Split Races for House Seats in 2 States". The New York Times. May 6, 1993.
  16. ^ "Ohio GOP picks up 4 Washington seats". The Vindicator. November 9, 1994.
  17. ^ "Results of Contests For the U.S. House, District by District". The New York Times. November 7, 1996.
  18. ^ Kemme, Steve (September 19, 2004). "Portman vows not to take it easy". Cincinnati Enquirer.
  19. ^ "Robert Portman, former U.S. Representative". GovTrack.us. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  20. ^ Senate 1: Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, GovTrack.us. Retrieved October 17, 2009.
  21. ^ H.R. 4654 To reauthorize the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998, "GovTrack.us". Retrieved April 11, 2012.
  22. ^ a b "Ready for Prime Time President Bush has tapped Ohio's Rob Portman to be the nation's top trade negotiator". Blog.cleveland.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  23. ^ "President Nominates Rob Portman as United States Trade Representative". White House Archives. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  24. ^ Becker, Elizabeth (March 18, 2005). "Congressman From Ohio Is Chosen For Trade Post". New York Times. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  25. ^ http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2005_record&page=H2741&position=all
  26. ^ http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2005_record&page=H2742&position=all
  27. ^ Office of the White House Press Secretary (May 17, 2005). "President Honors Ambassador Portman at Swearing-In Ceremony". George W Bush -White House Archives. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  28. ^ "WTO Doha Round: Agricultural Negotiating Proposals" (PDF). CRS Report for Congress. policyarchive.org.
  29. ^ Post Store (June 20, 2007). "Bush Names Ex-Rep. Nussle Budget Chief". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  30. ^ "Government - Debt to the Penny (Daily History Search Application)". Treasurydirect.gov. 2007-05-31. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  31. ^ "Discuss Ohio's Future with Rob Portman on his blog", OhiosFuture.com, undated
  32. ^ Jonathan Riskind Weighing 2010 contest, Portman names former aide to run PAC, Columbus Dispatch, April 10, 2008
  33. ^ Novak, Robert (2008-03-28). "Portman for VP". Townhall.com. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  34. ^ "Barack Obama and John McCain Begin the Search for Running Mates". FoxNews.com. May 27, 2008. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  35. ^ Auster, Elizabeth (April 18, 2008). "Rob Portman: GOP vice presidential candidate?". Cleveland.com. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  36. ^ Brooks, David (May 27, 2008). "The Running Mate Choice". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  37. ^ "The Campaign Spot – National Review Online". Nationalreview.com. 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  38. ^ "Senator Portman, U.S. Senator from Ohio – Official Page". portman.senate.gov. Retrieved 15 February 2011.
  39. ^ Ifill, Gwen. "Sens. Toomey, Portman Named to Super Committee". NationalJournal.com. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  40. ^ [1][dead link]
  41. ^ "Committee on Armed Services". Armed-services.senate.gov. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  42. ^ "U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources". Energy.senate.gov. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  43. ^ http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutCommittee.Membership
  44. ^ "U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records Home > Votes > Roll Call Vote". Senate.gov. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  45. ^ "CBO | Long-Term Analysis of a Budget Proposal by Chairman Ryan". Cbo.gov. 2011-04-05. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
  46. ^ "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  47. ^ "2010 Election Results". Office of the Ohio Secretary of State. Retrieved 2010-11-15.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Ohio's 2nd congressional district
1993–2005 		Succeeded by
Political offices

Template:U.S. Cabinet Official box Template:U.S. Cabinet Official box

Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for the U.S. Senator from Ohio
(Class 3)
2010 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
U.S. Senate
Preceded by United States Senator (Class 3) from Ohio
2011–present
Served alongside: Sherrod Brown 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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Preceded by United States Senators by seniority
90th 		Succeeded by

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