As President-elect Barack Obama works to fill the final positions in his Cabinet, officials familiar with the decision said that a leading contender for Secretary of Transportation is Representative Ray LaHood, who would become a second Republican to join Mr. Obama's team.
One of the tasks awaiting the transportation secretary is helping to implement the vast public works projects that Mr. Obama has proposed to jumpstart the economy. A member of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. LaHood has experience overseeing - and spending money on - such projects.
Mr. LaHood, who is retiring this year after seven terms in Congress, has represented Peoria and the surrounding area in downstate Illinois. 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.
Yes, I am in IL-18, LaHood's district. Yes, he is a moderate Republican. But, well, lets face it: when it comes to intelligence and imagination he isn't even in the same galaxy as Obama's pick for Secretary of Energy: Steven Chu (Nobel Laureate in physics)
Yes, LaHood has a reputation for being honest, non corrupt, and at times he has broken with the Republican party (Freedom to Read act, voted against one of Bush's tax cuts, against the first versions of the Patriot Act, etc.)
But he represents mediocrity rather than out of this world excellence; I don't see him as being someone who comes up with fresh, imaginative solutions to complex problems.
