Portman to speak at Columbiana Co. event

SALEM — Rob Portman, considered a potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, will be the keynote speaker at the Columbiana County Republican Party’s annual finance dinner Thursday.

The dinner begins at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Salem Golf Club on South Lincoln Avenue.

The cost is $150 per couple.

Portman, who lives in the Cincinnati area, served as President Bush’s director of the Office of Management and Budget from May 2006 to June 2007.

He was also Bush’s United States trade representative from April 2005 to May 2006.

Before that, Portman served 12 years as a U.S. House member.

Several national media outlets, including National Public Radio, Time and The Wall Street Journal consider Portman as a potential vice presidential running mate for McCain.

Those interested in purchasing a ticket for the event should call Tara Canestraro at (330) 223-1511 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.