Bob Taft said he has not been contacted by anyone in the Bush administration about a job. "And I'm not contacting them."



Bob Taft said he has not been contacted by anyone in the Bush administration about a job. "And I'm not contacting them."

Portman, Taft deny they're moving

By Jim Siegel
Enquirer Columbus Bureau

Caption: Alaska Gov. Frank H. Murkowski, left, Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn and Ohio Gov. Bob Taft exchange views after Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge's talk. (Rogelio Solis -- AP)

COLUMBUS - Gov. Bob Taft insists he's not going anywhere.

Rumors have swirled around Columbus that Taft could be headed to a new federal job, perhaps as an ambassador or heading up the Peace Corps in the next Bush administration.

The speculation often mentions U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Cincinnati, as his likely replacement.

Under the scenario, current Lt. Gov. Jennette Bradley fills the open state treasurer's seat vacated by Joe Deters, who was elected Hamilton County prosecutor.

That part of the plan is actually expected to happen.

The rumor then has Portman appointed as lieutenant governor, but only until Taft is swept off to Washington.

Presto, everyone is a winner. Portman becomes governor, likely avoiding a nasty Republican primary in 2006 and perhaps setting himself up for the presidential ticket in 2008. Taft, who has grown unpopular in recent years because of tax hikes and a sour economy, gets a fresh start.

Portman has not given the scenario any credence. Taft also says there's no chance.

"I have absolutely no interest in doing anything else the next two years than being governor of the state of Ohio," Taft said Tuesday. "I have no desire and no plans to go to Washington."

Taft said he has not been contacted by anyone in the Bush administration about a job. "And I'm not contacting them."

"I think we can get a lot more done for the people in this state."

He expects to name a new state treasurer in mid-January.

E-mail jsiegel@enquirer.com

When this story was posted in November 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

The Birth of the Peace Corps UMBC's Shriver Center and the Maryland Returned Volunteers hosted Scott Stossel, biographer of Sargent Shriver, who spoke on the Birth of the Peace Corps. This is the second annual Peace Corps History series - last year's speaker was Peace Corps Director Jack Vaughn.

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Vote "Yes" on NPCA's bylaw changes Take our new poll. NPCA members begin voting this week on bylaw changes to streamline NPCA's Board of Directors. NPCA Chair Ken Hill, the President's Forum and other RPCVs endorse the changes. Mail in your ballot or vote online (after Dec 1), then see on how RPCVs are voting.

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November 27, 2004: This Week's Top Stories RPCV reaches out after Soccer attack 27 Nov Tony Hall serves cold rice to embassy guests 27 Nov Hope calms injured volunteer's family 26 Nov Journalist Russell Carollo plans book on Peace Corps 25 Nov Moyers says next 4 years will be golden age for reporters 24 Nov RPCV is new president of the Hawaii bar association 23 Nov Mark Gearan confirmed by Senate for CNS Board 23 Nov Chris Shays fits in the other Republican Party 22 Nov DC job a possibility for McPherson 22 Nov Sentence reduced for man who raped PCV in Vanuatu 21 Nov Frist criticizes provision in Omnibus Spending Bill 21 Nov Peace Corps to be funded at $320 million 19 Nov more top stories...

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Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.

Your vote makes a difference Make a difference on November 2 - Vote. Then take our RPCV exit poll. See how RPCV's are voting and take a look at the RPCV voter demographic. Finally leave a message on why you voted for John Kerry or for George Bush. Previous poll results here.

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Read the stories and leave your comments.