Candidate for
United States Representative; District 2; Republican Party

Congressman Rob Portman Biography

In his 10 years representing Ohio's Second District in Southern Ohio, Rob Portman has become widely known as one of the most effective legislators in Congress. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee. In 2002, he was asked by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to serve as the Chairman of the Republican Leadership. In this role, Rob chairs the meetings of the House Republican leadership team and acts as the liaison between the leadership and the Bush White House.

Rob's reputation for hard work and reaching across the aisle to achieve results has earned him national recognition. The New York Times calls him "President Bush's man in the House." The National Journal calls him "one of the more proficient and pragmatic Republican legislators of his generation." And, Congressional Quarterly recently said, "Portman's contacts in the White House and in all corners of the Capitol position him uniquely to assess which policies can be nurtured from ideology into legislation."

During his service in Congress, Rob has authored or co?authored more than a dozen major bills that passed the House and Senate and were signed into law by the President. Among his many successes, Rob has enacted legislation that improves and updates our nation's pension laws, eliminates capital gains taxes on the sale of most homes, and restructures the IRS with significant new taxpayer rights. Rob has also enacted legislation that supports community anti-drug efforts.

In 2001, Rob was selected to be part of a nine?member committee that was responsible for crafting the House legislation to create what is now known as the Department of Homeland Security. Rob also has gained national recognition for his leadership in the fight to prevent illegal drug abuse. In 1998, he authored legislation that gives parents, teachers, businesses and community leaders new tools in the fight against drugs.

Rob will serve as the statewide Communications Chair for Bush?Cheney 2004, ensuring that the Campaign's message is heard in the state of Ohio. During the 2000 Bush?Cheney campaign, Rob served as a policy advisor and played the roles of both Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman and presidential candidate Al Gore in mock debates.

Rob keeps his home in the Cincinnati area with his wife Jane and their three children. He remains very involved in Greater Cincinnati community activities, including his role as Founding Chairman of the Coalition for a Drug?Free Greater Cincinnati.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rob was a partner in a Cincinnati law firm. From 1989 ? 1991 he served in the first Bush White House ?- as Associate Counsel to the President and later as Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.