An earlier version of this diary previously posted at slothropia.com.
It looks like the President Elect will name Ray Lahood as his transportation secretary. The questions is, Why?
Same question has been asked about Rick Warren's role in the inauguration ceremonies.
It looks like the President Elect will name Ray Lahood (my former congressman) as Transportation Secretary. Huffpo has this latest morsel of gossip and a thumb nail of Lahood.
I do not see a compelling reason to give this particular cabinet post to Lahood. True, Lahood is not a wing nut and yes, he has voted to fund Amtrak, and against cutting Amtrak funding. OTOH it is hard to find other examples of progressive transportation votes he has cast in the House, or transportation related legislation he has sponsored. Even the WSJ notes this gap in Lahood's resume.
IMHO there are some deficiencies in Lahood's transportation record. For example, if a Peorian wants to take an Amtrak train to anywhere, they need to drive to Bloomington IL or Galesburg. Indeed, If a Peorian wants to take a Greyhound bus anywhere they need to drive or hitch hike to another city. This in the district of one of the most adept ear markers in the Congress of his day.
Obviously, energy is one of the critical issues President Obama will face, and progress on energy depends largely on progress in transportation. Were there no visionary progressives available for this post?
And while I'm bitching about Obama appointments, what's up with Rick Warren giving the invocation at the inauguration.
I'm with not Jack Black on this one.