[img_assist|nid=1130|title=Rob Portman speaking to the Ohio delegation on Thursday|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=left|width=420|height=237]MINNEAPOLIS – Today was Rob Portman’s solo performance.

The Republican star and possible future candidate has been all over Ohio as a surrogate for John McCain’s presidential campaign, but hasn’t spoke about himself to such an influential crowd until today.

Portman has kept a low profile in recent years, having spent years in Washington, D.C. as a U.S. representative, trade ambassador and director of the Office of Management and Budget. However, he’s gained more attention as emcee for McCain events in Ohio and a possible vice presidential pick for McCain.

While Portman continued to make the case for McCain and getting the GOP “back to basics” as he does in most speeches, this time he told the crowd a little bit more about himself. With the room full of Republicans from outside southwest Ohio and new convention delegates, this was a chance for Portman to introduce himself – important as he considers a run for governor or senate next decade.

Portman said he is a fifth-generation Ohioan, whose father mortgaged his home to build a successful equipment distributor. Portman joked that his position as director of the Office of Management and Budget mostly invovled saying “no” to Congress over spending, which elicited applause. Since leaving Washington, Portman said he’s been busy with his family.

“I’m now back home with three teenagers, two dogs – sometimes I miss the relative peace and quiet of Washington,” he said.

Ohio Republican Party chair Bill Bennett called Portman Ohio’s next governor but Portman maintains he’s focused on winning this year’s election for his party with his Ohio’s Future political action committee. The PAC has donated to 40 Republican candidates across Ohio, especially those running for the state House.

“We’ve got our hands full this year,” he said. “We cannot afford to lose the state House of Representative folks,” Portman said.

See Portman make the case for why Barack Obama would be bad for Ohio below: