Portman Blows Off OSU

From OSU.edu:

Jan. 13 Rob Portman event cancelled

Rob Portman's talk "The Budget Challenges Facing the New Administration," originally scheduled for 4 p.m. today (1/13), has been cancelled due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict. The Glenn School is working to reschedule this event for a future date. Visit www.glennschool.osu.edu for more information on the rest of the events in the Obstacles and Opportunities: The Challenges Ahead for the Obama Administration series.

From Dispatch.com:

TERRACE PARK, Ohio (AP) - Former congressman and White House official Rob Portman said Tuesday he is leaning toward running for the U.S. Senate seat held by fellow Republican George Voinovich.

Portman, 53, said he has been encouraged by interest in his potential candidacy but delayed making an announcement until Wednesday.

"I've got the fire in the belly and I am very interested, but I need to make some more calls," he said.

Portman said he was going to keep previous commitments Tuesday to give a speech in Ashland and teach a class at Ohio State University.

Voinovich confirmed Monday that he won't seek re-election in 2010.

Portman said the announcement that Voinovich will not seek another term came as somewhat of a surprise.

Portman was re-elected overwhelmingly six times in southern Ohio's seven-county 2nd District before leaving Congress in 2005 to become U.S. trade representative. He became President George W. Bush's budget director the next year, then resigned and returned to Ohio in 2007.

The attorney, who endorsed John McCain for president just before Ohio's primary last year, was also often mentioned as a potential running mate. He was with McCain as the Republican nominee introduced Sarah Palin as his choice during a Dayton, Ohio, rally.

The 72-year-old Voinovich said Monday challenges facing Ohio and the country will require him to devote all his energy to serving out his current term. Campaigning and fundraising would take time away from his work, he said.

Voinovich's decision was more bad news for Republicans. Democrats, who are just shy of a filibuster-proof margin in the Senate, will be on the offensive in the races for four open seats.

Other potential Republican Senate candidates include former Sen. Mike DeWine. Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who is contending to become the GOP's national chairman, said Monday he had no interest in running for the Senate.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Zack Space are among potential Democratic candidates.

Poor planning, or does Rob Portman just like to create drama? Hey Ohio State, I can't come down to the largest university in the country to discuss substantive issues because I have to stay home and state the obvious.