CHICAGO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., now transportation secretary-designate, is the second Republican President-elect Barack Obama has nominated to his Cabinet.
LaHood is retiring from Congress after this term, having represented the 18th District of Illinois for seven terms.
LaHood's committee assignments include the appropriations panel, and being the ranking minority member of the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel.
LaHood is known for his work to improve Illinois infrastructure, securing federal funds for highway improvement and airport expansion projects, his Web site said.
He also is a promoter of ethanol and has supported policies that allow expansion of ethanol production in Illinois, his biography said. The Illinois Farm Bureau awarded LaHood its highest honor in 2005, the Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award.
LaHood, 62, is a native of Peoria. He earned a bachelor's degree in education and sociology from Bradley University in 1971. He has received honorary doctorates from several institutions since 2000.
After serving in the Illinois House of Representatives in 1982, LaHood worked for U.S. House Republican Leader Robert Michel as district administrative assistant and chief of staff, and was Michel's successor when Michel retired.
LaHood and his wife Kathy have four children and seven grandchildren.
