Who’s got the power?

A new report ranking members of Congress for how powerful they are shows that Greater Cincinnati is lagging in legislative VIPs.

Of course, former Rep. Rob Portman – now a nominee to become President Bush’s budget director – is not included in the list.

But still.

Portman’s successor, Rep. Jean Schmidt of Miami Township, is ranked No. 433 out of 435 members of the House and 232 out of 232 House Republicans.

Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Westwood, is No. 186 in the House while freshman Rep. Geoff Davis of Hebron in Northern Kentucky is slightly better, at No. 169.

What about new House Majority Leader John Boehner, a Republican from West Chester?

He’s ranked No. 33. But keep in mind that he’s only held his new post for a little over three months.

The region is in somewhat better shape in the Senate.

Senate Whip Mitch McConnell, a Louisville Republican, is ranked No. 7 out of 100 senators.

Sen. Mike DeWine, a Cedarville Republican, is No. 26.

But Sens. Jim Bunning of Northern Kentucky and George Voinovich of Cleveland were below average, ranked No. 62 and No. 70, respectively.

DeWine is running for re-election this year against Rep. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from northern Ohio that was ranked as No. 315 out of 435 members of the House.

Rep. Ted Strickland, a Democrat who is running for Ohio governor against Republican Ken Blackwell, was ranked No. 402 out of 435.

“As Members of Congress for more than a decade, Brown and Strickland should be embarrassed by their ineffectiveness,” said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett in a statement.

“They’re running around the state saying they deserve more responsibility. Ohio voters expect more and will not look favorably on Brown and Strickland’s ineffectiveness and arrogance.”

The rankings are done annually by Knowlegis, a private, nonpartisan company that specializes in fostering civic participation. They are based on a lawmaker’s position, influence and legislative activity.

For more information, check out the report here.