IT'S A BIG JOB UNDER THIS PRESIDENT:

Bush Names Portman Trade Representative (DEB RIECHMANN and MALIA RULON, March 17, 2005, Associated Press)

President Bush chose congressman Rob Portman Thursday to be U.S. trade representative -- America's top salesman for free-trade agreements around the world -- saying the Ohio Republican has shown a deep dedication to free and fair trade.

"As an Ohioan, Rob knows firsthand that millions of American jobs depend on exports, including one in every five factory jobs," Bush said. [...]

If confirmed by the Senate, the 49-year-old Republican congressman from the Cincinnati area would replace Robert Zoellick, who has become Condoleezza Rice's top deputy at the State Department. As one of Bush's chief links to Congress on trade, tax and other issues, Portman has been a strong advocate of free trade even though he comes from a state that has been hit hard by job losses.

Bush ticked off what he said was an impressive list of achievements under Zoellick: helping to bring China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization, securing congressional approval for so-called fast-track trade promotion authority for the president and negotiating new free trade agreement with a dozen nations on five continents that will open a combined market to 124 million consumers for U.S. farmers, manufacturers and small business owners.

The next trade representative will face a tough fight in Congress to win approval for the Central American Free Trade Agreement. CAFTA would remove trade barriers between the United States and five Central American countries plus the Dominican Republic.

While the administration sees the pact as a continuation of its efforts to open markets for American manufacturers and farmers, it has attracted opposition from groups ranging from organized labor to U.S. sugar producers and textile manufacturers.

Folks are always predicting big things in Mr. Portman's future. Taking this job in the most free-trade adminstration we've ever had should certainly test him.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 17, 2005 1:11 PM