Ex-Dallas mayor leading trade rep choice

CHICAGO, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk has emerged as President-elect Barack Obama's top candidate for U.S. trade representative, Democratic officials said.

Kirk originally was thought to be a front-runner to lead the Transportation Department, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Thursday.

However, the Transportation top spot apparently will be offered to Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., several media outlets reported.

The U.S. trade representative position, with the title of ambassador, became available when reported front-runner Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., announced he would remain in the House.

While not known well nationally, Kirk appears to have a "heartening" record of supporting free trade, John Murphy, vice president for international affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told the Dallas Morning News.

"Trade has been one of the only bright spots for the U.S. economy, and the Obama team is going to need every tool in its tool box," he said.