Just as clean-cut men leave the bar before a brawl breaks out, clever politicians try to avoid bruising public battles. So it is telling that one of the brightest stars in George Bush's team-his budget director, Rob Portman-announced his resignation on June 19th. Mr Portman, a former Republican congressman from Ohio, is one of the (very) few administration officials who is admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. His reputation remains intact despite two years in the Bush team, one as its top trade official and another as budget director. His political ambitions are no secret. He is mulling a run for governor of Ohio in 2010. Many Republicans think Mr Portman could go further still.
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