Ex-Illinois Rep. to head transportation

by Carol Henrichs

Former Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, was chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as the country's transportation secretary.

Obama's choice of the former GOP congressman for a cabinet position demonstrates his interest in creating a bi-partisanship administration. But, his appointment took transportation leaders by surprise.

LaHood is a moderate Republican who became a national figure 10 years ago, when he presided over the House during the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.

LaHood has not made transportation a focus in his congressional career. It has been suggested that Obama does not likely expect the transportation secretary to dictate policy. That will be left up to transportation experts. Rather he will help guide Obama's massive stimulus package that is expected to invest heavily in transportation infrastructure.

Roger Cohen, president of the Regional Airline Association in Washington, D.C. and former spokesman of the Air Transport Association called LaHood's appointment "encouraging." He told Time Magazine that LaHood has a great reputation and track record of working across party lines.

While U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minnesota said that while he could not point to any specific legislation LaHood authored, he told the Wall Street Journal that LaHood is a team player. He praised LaHood's temperament, calling him an excellent choice on the skills he brings to the role.

John McCain praised LaHood's appointment and urges the Senate to quickly confirm him, according to MSNBC.

LaHood told the Peoria Journal Star, "We have a task before us to rebuild America. As a nation, we need to continue to be the world leader in infrastructure development. We cannot stand by while our infrastructure crumbles."

While in congress, LaHood served on the appropriations committee, as well as agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration and related agencies.

Confirmation hearings on LaHood's nomination were scheduled to take place Wednesday, Jan. 14, but have been postponed. According to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee headed by incoming chairman U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va, the delay was simply a matter of procedure. The holdup would prevent LaHood from being in place in time for Obama's inauguration.

LaHood, formerly a junior high social studies teacher, announced his retirement last summer after serving seven terms in the U.S. Congress. There had been speculation that he considered applying for Obama's vacated senate seat or even a possible run for Illinois governor. A cabinet position was not on anyone's radar screen.

Many were stunned by Obama's pick.

When Obama made his choice, he praised LaHood as one of the few who understand the infrastructure challenges that face the country. In addition, he said LaHood has a record of fighting to improve mass transit and investment in highways.

As transportation secretary, LaHood will be responsible for Obama's proposed $800 billion stimulus package that would include massive infrastructure projects.

He will also preside over the next $500 billion plus highway bill. He will have to rebuild the beleaguered Highway Trust Fund and oversee reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration which needs funding for upgrading the nation's air traffic control system at the same time that controllers are anxious over working conditions and contracts.

LaHood might be just the man to smooth relations between transportation and the congress.

But, while LaHood travels the road to confirmation, the trip will not be without potholes.

LaHood sponsored millions of dollars in earmarks, and used his influence to win funding for projects, according to the Washington Post. Obama, who has tacked a few earmarks himself onto spending bills during his time in congress, now claims to oppose the practice.

Obama has pledged that no earmarks will be added to the stimulus bill.  

According to the Washington Post, LaHood sponsored $60 million in earmarks in 2008, steering at least $9 million to campaign donors.

According to Citizens Against Government Waste, LaHood has a history of pork barrel spending and questionable spending linked to his friends. One of LaHood's biggest campaign donors is Peoria-based Caterpillar. Since 1998, LaHood has received more than $190,000 from the company and its workers. Last year, LaHood secured $7.8 million to help the company develop technology for potential military contracts.

Another bump in the road to confirmation may be LaHood's ties worth millions of dollars from road builders including longtime Republican kingmaker William Cellini, who headed the Illinois Asphalt Paving Association.

Cellini was indicted last October in the "pay-to-play" investigation related to Antoine "Tony" Rezko and linked to the impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich.