DOT chief Ray LaHood resigns
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the last Republican in President Obama’s cabinet, announced on Tuesday that he was leaving his position after four years at the helm of the often embattled governmental agency.
In a statement to DOT employees, LaHood said he would not be serving a second term and that he planned to stay on until a successor is named. He did not give a reason for his resignation other than "you should go out while they are applauding."
In his letter, LaHood said the position was the "best job" he had ever had. He cited his accomplishments with the agency, highlighting his often criticized Distracted Driving and High Speed Rail initiatives. LaHood often angered fellow Republicans, some of whom believed his willingness to spend government funds for public initiatives went against party lines.
The White House has not yet made a public statement regarding possible replacements. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (a proponent of high speed rail), Debbie Hersman, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, who led the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are all widely regarded as contenders.
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