Ray LaHood: Difference between revisions
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'''Raymond H. "Ray" LaHood''' (born December 6, 1945), [[United States|American]] politician, has been a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] since 1995, representing downstate {{ushr|Illinois|18|}} ([http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/il18_109.gif map]). He has gained national notoriety, especially among [[C-SPAN]] viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the [[impeachment]] vote against [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]]. He has reportedly been considered by President-Elect Obama to be the next Transportation Secretary. |
'''Raymond H. "Ray" LaHood''' (born December 6, 1945), [[United States|American]] politician, has been a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] since 1995, representing downstate {{ushr|Illinois|18|}} ([http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/il18_109.gif map]). He has gained national notoriety, especially among [[C-SPAN]] viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the [[impeachment]] vote against [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]]. He has reportedly been considered by President-Elect Obama to be the next [[Transportation Secretary]]. |
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==Early life and career== |
==Early life and career== |
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Revision as of 22:52, 17 December 2008
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
Ray LaHood | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 18th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Michel |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Kathy LaHood |
| Residence | Peoria, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Bradley University |
| Occupation | high school teacher, political assistant |
Raymond H. "Ray" LaHood (born December 6, 1945), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995, representing downstate Illinois's 18th congressional district (map). He has gained national notoriety, especially among C-SPAN viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the impeachment vote against President Bill Clinton. He has reportedly been considered by President-Elect Obama to be the next Transportation Secretary.
Early life and career
He was born in Peoria, Illinois and was educated at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, from which he earned a degree in education. He was a high school teacher, director of the Rock Island County Youth Services Bureau, and an aide to Representatives Tom Railsback and Robert Michel before entering politics. He served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for one term between 1982 and 1983. He is of Lebanese descent, as are Senator John E. Sununu, Representatives Darrell Issa and Charles Boustany. LaHood is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.
LaHood was said to be considering a challenge to Governor Rod Blagojevich's re-election bid in 2006, but on August 18, 2005 he ruled out a run, saying few outside his district knew him.
In 2006, LaHood won against Steve Waterworth[1] by a margin of 147,108 (67%) to 71,106 (33%)[2].
A strong advocate for advancing the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, LaHood authored a law that established the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which lay the groundwork for celebrating the 16th president's 200th birthday in 2009. He also has been a lead Capitol Hill supporter for the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield and is one of 15 members on the ALBC.
In 2007 LaHood was considered for candidacy to become the president of his alma mater Bradley University, following the departure of David Broski. [3] However, he decided against applying for the position[4]
On July 26, 2007, LaHood stated he would not seek re-election in 2008 and would retire when his current term expires in January 2009.[5]
On December 17, 2008, it was reported that he is under consideration to serve as United States Secretary of Transportation in the Obama administration. He would be the second Republican nominated to serve in the president-elect's cabinet.[6]
Committee Assignments
- Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
- Select Intelligence Oversight Panel (Ranking Member)
See also
References
- ^ Waterworth for Congress
- ^ Elections 2006 CNN
- ^ LaHood Ponders Post The Peoria Star, June 2, 2007
- ^ LaHood stays put The Hill, July 10, 2007
- ^ LaHood will not seek re-election The Swamp, July 26, 2007
- ^ LaHood Likely Pick for Transportation Secretary The New York Times, December 17, 2008
External links
- U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood official House site
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Profile at SourceWatch Congresspedia
- Articles
- A Setback for Civility David S. Broder, Washington Post, August 2, 2007, on Ray LaHood's retirement announcement
- LaHood tapped for Obama Cabinet Karen McDonald, Peoria Journal Star, December 17, 2008