The Wall Street Journal says U.S. Trade Representative-designate Rob Portman (R-OH) has a "long personal relationship with the president" and "has shown a willingness to work with Democrats. Even as the level of partisanship has soared on Capitol Hill, Mr. Portman has resisted pressure from other Republicans to freeze out the minority party."
The Cleveland Plain Dealer also notes Portman "has previously expressed interest in running for higher office, including the Senate and possibly the presidency."