Bush Taps Portman As New Budget Director

Solid pick.

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Tuesday nominated Trade Representative Rob Portman as the White House budget director, turning to a Washington insider and longtime friend as part of an effort to re-energize the administration and boost the president's record-low approval ratings.

Bush said more changes are in the works under his new chief of staff, Joshua Bolten.

"With a new man will come some changes," the president said. But he emphasized anew that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's job is safe, despite calls for his resignation from a half dozen retired military commanders.