Budget Director Portman resigning

WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- White House Budget Director Rob Portman announced Tuesday he is resigning and leaving Washington.

Portman, who previously represented the Cincinnati area in Congress, is to be replaced by another former congressman, Jim Nussle of Iowa. He plans to remain in Washington until August so the position will be filled until his successor is confirmed, USA Today reported.

"It's a bittersweet moment," Portman said. "It's tough to leave a meaningful job where I have been able to make a difference. But it's also exciting to come home."

While Portman is considered a potential Republican candidate for Ohio governor in 2010 or U.S. Senate in 2012, he said his immediate plans are to spend time with his children. His wife and three children remained in Ohio while he commuted from Washington on weekends.

Portman became budget director in May 2006.