Before joining the White House staff, Portman served for six terms in Congress.
Portman said he is leaving the administration for personal reasons. His family has remained in Cincinnati and he has been commuting home on weekends for 14 years.
“I need to be home more. I’ve got three kids ages 12 to 17. It’s just been very hard to spend as much time with them and Jane as I need to at this time of my life,” Portman told the Associated Press Tuesday.
Portman made it clear he might seek a return to elective office, either by running for governor of Ohio or for the Senate.
In a written statement, Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine said, “I’m sure his family will be happy to have him closer to home again and his party feels the same way. Rob has an amazing record of leadership and accomplishment. He would make a fine addition to our statewide ticket in 2010.”
Jim.otte@whiotv.com