Obama Expected to Name LaHood as Transportation Secretary

President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Rep. Ray LaHood an Illinois Republican, to be the next Secretary of Transportation, according to media reports and other sources. LaHood has served in the House of Representatives since 1995. He decided to retire at the end of the current Congress after having served seven terms. LaHood is familiar with transportation issues having served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 1995-2000. In 2001 he became a member of the Appropriations Committee. Prior to being elected to Congress LaHood served as the Chief of Staff to then House Minority Leader Bob Michael. He has a close friendship with Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, a fellow Representative from Illinois. AGC has been a supporter of Rep. LaHood and has maintained a good working relationship with him over the years.  LaHood has always been known for his bipartisan approach to issues and therefore is a perfect candidate to help President-elect Obama fulfill his pledge to include Republicans in his Cabinet. He has already picked current Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a Republican, to stay in the job in his administration. LaHood's Illinois District includes Peoria, home of Caterpillar.