LaHood inspired choice for transportation
secretary
December 21, 2008
Editorial
PRESIDENT-ELECT Barack Obama's nomination of U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood as secretary of
transportation is tremendous news for a nation struggling with huge
transportation and infrastructure needs.
If anyone can be counted on to lead this vital
mission, and work with both Democrats and Republicans, it is Ray LaHood.
"Ray's appointment reflects that bipartisan
spirit -- a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the
American people," Obama told reporters at the
press conference where LaHood's appointment was confirmed.
Obama already has announced that his administration will ask
Congress early next year to approve at least $850 billion for a multi-year
transportation construction and infrastructure improvement campaign.
The proposal is as much a jobs plan as a capital
program. It will create or sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs in the short
run and will modernize the nation's transportation network in ways that will
yield long-term benefits for commerce and job creation.
Illinois Secretary of Transportation Milton Sees
made a telling observation when told that LaHood was likely to get the
nomination.
"Given the (future) president's interest in
moving forward with a major infrastructure program, he will need someone who's
a
After 14 years in Congress, LaHood has earned the
respect of his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats. LaHood's civil approach
to governing makes him a perfect choice to guide a major transportation
initiative through Congress.
That is by no means all that LaHood offers.
As a downstate Illinoisian,
LaHood understands the balance that must be struck between rural highways,
metropolitan mass transit, river traffic, air travel
and train service.
He also clearly understands the critical role that
transportation infrastructure plays as an engine for economic development. That
has been evident in his ongoing and successful efforts to obtain federal funds
for regional highway projects including Ill. 336 and U.S. 67, to expand Amtrak
service for downstate communities, and to secure improved air service to small
communities.
LaHood's firm and fair style of presiding over congressional
hearings is a strong indication of his management style.
LaHood held the gavel during much of the
impeachment hearings involving President Bill Clinton. He made sure the
hearings remained on track and did not deteriorate into a shoutfest.
That ability to keep others "on task" will be an invaluable asset for
someone in charge of a federal agency with about 60,000 employees and an
overall budget of $68 billion.
LaHood has a history of standing up for what is
right. He demanded high ethical standards when House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a fellow Republican, was censured by Congress for
violating federal campaign law. Those comments angered some DeLay
supporters and cost LaHood a committee chairmanship the next year. In spite of
the position he lost, LaHood said he would do nothing different if given the
opportunity.
That is the Ray LaHood known so well to residents
of Western and
Before being elected to Congress, LaHood worked on
the staff of Rep. Tom Railsback for five years. He
was on Rep. Bob Michel's staff for 11 years, the final four as Michel's chief
of staff.
Those 30 years of political experience give him
invaluable knowledge about how
When LaHood announced in August 2007 that he would
not seek re-election this year, the accolades were endless. People across the
political spectrum recognize him as a consummate statesman, a thoughtful leader
and a gentleman.
Former Sen. Obama apparently
thought as much or he would not have selected LaHood as only the second
Republican in his Cabinet.
This is a wise selection and we predict a
resounding -- and well-deserved -- vote by the U.S. Senate to confirm LaHood as
the nation's next transportation secretary.