Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL) is President-elect Barack Obama's nominee to replace Mary E. Peters as head of the US Department of Transportation. LaHood is retiring from the House of Representatives after 14 years. He would be the second Republican in Obama's Cabinet, joining Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

In naming LaHood to head the DOT, Obama said: “As a grandson of an immigrant and the son of a restaurant manager, he, too, demonstrated what can be accomplished with hard work. His experience, bipartisan approach to issues and fair-handed demeanor will be important assets as we work together.”

LaHood countered: “A Hallmark of my career has been my work with our local and state leaders as we have improved the infrastructure of Illinois. I've served on the House Transportation and infrastructure committee as we reauthorize the Federal Highway Bill. I understand first hand what good infrastructure and transportation means to communities, and understand it is the local folks who know best their transportation needs. We'll bring that same approach to the Department of Transportation.

“We have a task before us to rebuild America. As a nation, we need to continue to be the world leader in infrastructure development, Amtrak, mass transit, light rail, air travel, and our roads and bridges all play a vital role in our economy and our well-being as a nation.

“We cannot stand by our infrastructure ages and crumbles. We must pursue solid policies that allow our states and communities to address their transportation needs. We have a tremendous opportunity before us to rebuild our infrastructure and reinvigorate our economy, and I look forward to the challenge,” LaHood added.