Just yesterday, Bob Novak reported that the White House was about to go on a veto frenzy, rejecting spending bills left and right, as part of a new initiative to reverse six years of Bush spending freely. Novak identified the man behind this project.
It is an offensive pressed on Bush by congressional GOP leaders and by his own budget director, Rob Portman, a former member of the House Republican leadership as a congressman from Ohio. Portman believes the 2006 electoral catastrophe in his state was caused mainly by Republicans losing the mantle of fiscal responsibility. Unless it is retrieved, Ohio — and the presidency — will go to the Democrats in 2008. By vetoes that would slice more than $20 billion in Democratic spending, Bush is seeking to transform that outlook. It will trigger an epochal political struggle in the months ahead.
Apparently, it will be an epochal political struggle that Portman has decided to skip. The White House budget director announced his resignation today. (thanks to TAiO for the tip)
White House budget director Rob Portman is resigning and will be replaced by former Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle, Bush administration officials said Tuesday. […]
Portman said he was leaving the administration for personal reasons. His family has remained in Cincinnati and he has been commuting home on weekends for 14 years.
I’ve lost count of just how many top White House officials have decided to spend more time with their families lately, but it’s quite a few. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.