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LaHood Named Transportation Secretary
12/19/2008
President-elect Barack Obama has selected Illinois Republican U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood as his transportation secretary. LaHood, 63, is retiring from his House seat after 14 years in Congress representing the Peoria area.
The transportation secretary will be a key player in the Obama administration’s public works projects designed to stimulate the struggling economy. A member of the House Appropriations Committee, LaHood has experience overseeing and spending money on such projects. He also is a former House Transportation Committee member.
A former state legislator and a senior congressional aide, LaHood became a leading bipartisan voice in an increasingly polarized Congress. Known for moderate views, Mr. LaHood belonged to the Republican Main Street Partnership, but first rose to prominence when he presided over the House impeachment vote against President Bill Clinton.
LaHood has broken with his party over Amtrak funding, voting in favor of expanding passenger rail service last summer. In 2006, he received a 66 percent rating from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, a major transportation construction lobby. He also voted in favor of the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 for public transit agencies to reduce fares and expand services.
The Peoria native has led efforts to enhance Illinois’ infrastructure, including the reconstruction and expansion of state highways. He also has been a proponent for improving local airports, while also working with officials to increase air service.
