The Columbus Dispatch
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman of Cincinnati has taken himself out of consideration for the
Republican nomination for Ohio attorney general, but he still has a variety of political
options.
Portman had been prominently mentioned by the Ohio Republican Party as a potential nominee to
run Nov. 4 for the seat vacated by disgraced former Attorney General Marc Dann, the Democrat who
resigned May 14 after a report detailing sexual harassment in his office. The central committees of
both parties are expected to select nominees soon to run for the two years remaining on Dann's
term.
Portman, who returned to Cincinnati last year after stints as U.S. trade representative and
director of the federal Office of Budget and Management, told the party he is not interested in the
attorney general's post.
"I returned from Washington eight months ago, and I enjoy being home," Portman told
The Dispatch, adding that the attorney general opening "is not the best timing
for me."
But Portman is putting himself in position for a possible 2010 gubernatorial bid, or a run for
the U.S. Senate if GOP Sen. George V. Voinovich decides not to run again.
"I intend to get back into public service in the future," Portman said.
This year, Portman has given 35 speeches in Ohio, including 15 to county GOP Lincoln Day dinner
gatherings. He also has created a political action committee to help Republican candidates and
possibly his own future candidacy. The PAC has raised about $280,000.
According to published reports, Portman is on a shortlist to be the vice-presidential running
mate of Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee from Arizona. In an interview
last month with
The Dispatch, McCain declined to discuss potential running mates, but he said,
"I have the greatest respect for Rob Portman. He has an incredible resume and is a great guy."
On Friday, the conservative
Washington Times editorial page urged McCain to select Portman as his running
mate, writing that Portman's "conservative credentials are sterling," and adding that he could help
the Republicans win Ohio.
