DANVILLE, Ky. — Rep. Rob Portman was glad he played the heavy in helping Republican Dick Cheney prepare for Thursday night's presidential debate at Centre College.

        “I was tougher playing Joe Lieberman than Joe Lieberman was himself,” an ebullient Mr. Portman said just moments after the 90-minute, nationally televised debate ended.

Rob Portman

        “It was a fantastic performance,” he said. “Dick Cheney showed an incredible command of the issues. He was authentic, he was sincere, he hit home the fact that if he and George Bush are elected they are going to bring a new game to town that's going to be a fresh start that cuts through the partisan bickering and gets things done.

        “I thought that was the most important message,” Mr. Portman said. “They were both funny and they kept it at a high level.”

        Mr. Portman, a Republican from Terrace Park, has been a vital part of Mr. Cheney's preparations for the debate.

        He “played” Mr. Lieberman during mock debates with Mr. Cheney and was with the candidate in the “green room” — where guests wait to go on the air — in the moments just prior to the debate

        Though historically vice presidential debates do not have huge impacts on the outcome of an election, this year could be different, Mr. Portman said.

        “This debate is likely going to be more important because this race is so close,” he said. “Maybe the closest presidential race since 1960. I think there is more focus on (this) debate.

        “Normally a vice presidential candidate only means two or three percentage points in an election, but this year that could make the difference.”

        Mr. Portman said Mr. Cheney showed why Mr. Bush chose him as a running mate.

        “We showed tonight we have a command of the issues and we're willing to work to get it done on a bipartisan basis,” Mr. Portman said. “That's a very important message to undecided voters, who are sick of business as usual in Washington.”

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