Robert Jones Portman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 19, 1955. He attended Cincinnati Country Day School, and then earned his B.A. in Anthropology from Dartmouth College in 1979. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1984.

From 1984 to 1986, Portman worked in Washington as an associate at the Patton Boggs law firm, specializing in international trade law. From 1986 to 1989, he worked as an associate and later partner at the Graydon, Head, and Ritchey law firm. Portman quickly proved his competence and ability, becoming associate counsel to President George Bush in 1989. From 1989 through 1991, Portman worked as deputy assistant and director in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.

In early 1993 Willis Gradison resigned as Representative of Ohio's 2nd District. Though not having held an elected position before, Portman won the special election to fill the vacancy, having defeated nine other opponents in the primary. Portman proved a popular and able Member of Congress, easily winning the next six elections as well.

During his time in Congress, Portman served as Chairman of the House Republican Leadership and was the liaison between the House Leadership and the White House. He was one of the most junior Members to ever be named to the House Ways and Means Committee, also serving on its Trade Subcommittee, and as Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee. He worked to reform unfunded mandates through the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, as part of the Contract with America. For his work on that issue, the National Association of Counties named him "Legislator of the Year" in 1995. He also worked to reform the Internal Revenue Service through the IRS Restructuring Act of 1998, and was an advocate of improving Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He gained recognition across Ohio and the nation for his work to fight against illegal drug abuse.

Portman was known for "reaching across the aisle" in a bipartisan manner when dealing with legislation. He was popular in his district, and known as someone who could deal with White House affairs, yet still drive himself around to small town pancake breakfasts. When nominating him for U.S. Trade Representative, President George W. Bush referred to Portman as "a good friend, a decent man, and a skilled negotiator."

In 2004, Portman published a book he wrote together with Cheryl Bauer about the 19th century Shaker community at Union Village in Warren County, Ohio. The book is entitled Wisdom's Paradise: The Forgotten Shakers of Union Village.

On April 29, 2005, Rob resigned his Congressional seat in order to become the United States Trade Representative. Portman held that position until the following year when the President appointed him as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a post he held until resigning about a year later.

Portman is married to Jane Dudley, and they live in Hamilton County, Ohio, with their three children.

Sources:
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
Wikipedia
Rob Portman biography-US House National Commissioners website
Office of the United States Trade Representative website
Picture taken from USTR: http://www.ustr.gov/Who_We_Are/Bios/Ambassador_Rob_Portman.html

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