Obama`s apparent choice for Sectretary of Transportation. Ray LaHood (Peoria Il)
A product of Peoria's large Lebanese-American community, LaHood is Catholic and one of the few Arab-American members of Congress. He is the first Arab-American to be chosen for Obama's Cabinet.
Though LaHood is a former member of the House Transportation Committee, the credentials he brings are based more on his political experience than background specific to the subject. He never served in a leadership position on the Transportation Committee and more recently has been a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee.
Brian Imus, director of the public interest group Illinois PIRG, said LaHood would face a difficult task rebuilding "a federal system that is truly broke," adding, "It appears as though others with longer, more distinguished qualifications were bypassed."
But Terence O'Sullivan, general president of the Laborers' International Union of North America, praised LaHood as "a friend to our union when it comes to construction and transportation issues."
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna also offered support. "Ray LaHood is a good friend, a solid member of our congressional delegation, and would make a fine addition to any administration," McKenna said.
Unlike many Republicans in Congress, LaHood has a record of supporting funding for Amtrak and public transit.
Tribune reporter Jon Hilkevitch contributed from Chicago.
A product of Peoria's large Lebanese-American community, LaHood is Catholic and one of the few Arab-American members of Congress. He is the first Arab-American to be chosen for Obama's Cabinet.
Though LaHood is a former member of the House Transportation Committee, the credentials he brings are based more on his political experience than background specific to the subject. He never served in a leadership position on the Transportation Committee and more recently has been a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee.
Brian Imus, director of the public interest group Illinois PIRG, said LaHood would face a difficult task rebuilding "a federal system that is truly broke," adding, "It appears as though others with longer, more distinguished qualifications were bypassed."
But Terence O'Sullivan, general president of the Laborers' International Union of North America, praised LaHood as "a friend to our union when it comes to construction and transportation issues."
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna also offered support. "Ray LaHood is a good friend, a solid member of our congressional delegation, and would make a fine addition to any administration," McKenna said.
Unlike many Republicans in Congress, LaHood has a record of supporting funding for Amtrak and public transit.
Tribune reporter Jon Hilkevitch contributed from Chicago.