Obama taps GOP's LaHood for transportation

CHICAGO, Idaho, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama crossed party lines Thursday, choosing Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., to be his Transportation secretary-designate.

While a member of Congress, LaHood "fought to improve mass transit and invest in our highways," Obama said during a news conference in Chicago.

Hood, 63, is retiring from Congress, where he served since 1995. He joins another Republican, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in Obama's Cabinet.

"When I began this appointment process, I said I was committed to finding the best person for the job regardless of party. Ray's appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit," the president-elect said.

LaHood said he and Obama share the same philosophy on infrastructure and that Obama's "agenda for the Department of Transportation is my agenda for the Department of Transportation."

"We must pursue solid policies that allow our states and communities to address their transportation needs," LaHood said. "We have a tremendous opportunity before us to rebuild our infrastructure and reinvigorate our economy, and I look forward to the challenge."

LaHood is the third Illinoisan Obama has named to his administration. Obama selected Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan to be his Education Department secretary-designate and U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel to be his White House chief of staff.