Bush picks Portman for budget, Schwab for trade

WASHINGTON, Apr 18 (Reuters) President George W Bush today will announce US Trade Representative Rob Portman as his choice to become White House budget director, a senior administration official said.

Bush will also announce he has picked Portman's deputy, Susan Schwab, to become the next US trade representative, the official said.

Bush was to make the announcements at 9:20 a.m.

Portman, a former member of the House of Representatives from Ohio who helped Bush win that critical state in the 2004 presidential election, would succeed Josh Bolten as budget director.

Bolten is the new White House chief of staff engaged in a staff overhaul to try to breathe new life into Bush's presidency.

A senior administration official said Portman was picked because of his experience and expertise and ability to work in a bipartisan way.

''He is someone with a record of working across the aisle to get things done and is well-respected by members,'' the official said.

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