Demanding a federal budget that is fair, responsible, and meets our nation's priorities

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Rob Portman Nominated to Become New OMB Director

It was announced today that U.S. Trade Representative and former Congressman Rob Portman will most likely be the one to replace Josh Bolten as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Portman -- a long time friend of the President's who has claimed to "owe his career" to the Bush family -- shares the President's views on taxation, claiming today in the Rose Garden: "Now is not the time to risk losing ground by raising taxes," and stating his support of the administration’s agenda of extending tax cuts.

The DNC has put together a biography on Portman. The bio cites a February 2003 New York Times article which says, "A friend of Mr. Bush for 17 years, Mr. Portman is credited with helping the president win Ohio's 20 electoral votes in a close contest in November. He is on a first-name basis with Karl Rove, now deputy chief of staff for policy at the White House, and Joshua B. Bolten, director of the Office of Management and Budget, who regularly consult him on domestic issues." The Times called Portman, who was a 2004 Pioneer, "one of [Bush’s] closest friends in Congress," and "President Bush’s man in the House." An October 2005 article from The Hill stated that Portman "and Bush met at the 1988 Republican convention in New Orleans, where Portman was a young delegate. He remembers Bush, who is fond of nicknames and now calls him 'Robby Bobby,' as relaxed and friendly, wearing cowboy boots and holding a cigar."

Portman's nomination is subject to Senate approval; the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee and the Budget committee have jurisdiction over OMB nominations. Apparently this nomination receieved a positive reaction on capitol hill. Portman is perceived to have a strong background in budget policy and economic matters, but will likely not do much to alter the major parts of Bush's fiscal policy. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) of the House Budget committee was quoted as saying, "They could not have chosen better than Rob Portman. He's a first-class individual." Spratt also said that if confirmed quickly, Portman's first responsibility may be to help the House pass a budget for FY 2007.