Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Ray LaHood

What Does It Mean That LaHood Isn’t On the Second-Term List? Nothing.

Right there on his lapel is one major reason transportation reformers hope Ray LaHood stays on a while longer as Transportation Secretary. Photo: ##http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/10/08/feds-to-weigh-in-on-nj-ny-rail-tunnel-project/bicycling-advocacy-group-thanks-transportation-sec-ray-lahood/##CBS##

A White House official yesterday named three Cabinet members who are staying on for Obama's second term and set off a firestorm of speculation about those he didn't name -- among them, Ray LaHood.

The fact is no one knows yet whether the transportation secretary will stay on for the second term or not, or for a part of it, as he has indicated. More than a year ago, LaHood told an LA Times reporter he wouldn't stay past 2012, but rumor has it he hadn't meant to make any definitive statements and has since backpedaled.

And now, even as the media spin headlines out of the fact that LaHood was left off one, admittedly unofficial and not comprehensive list of returning Cabinet members, sources inside U.S. DOT say there's no news. The last we heard -- last month -- LaHood was still waiting for the end of the fiscal cliff negotiations to sit down with President Obama and figure out whether he'd be staying on.

It's a sign that transportation officials -- and the media -- are so anxious to know LaHood's fate that many jumped to conclusions when the White House official didn't include him in the list of remaining Cabinet members. But there's still no news.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headway Podcast: 20 is Plenty in Wales

Welsh MP Lee Waters and the University of Sydney's Dr. Jennifer Kent on how Wales passed a national 20 mph speed limit.

February 6, 2025

Who is Trump’s FTA Pick Marc Molinaro — And Will He Kill Congestion Pricing?

If confirmed, Trump FTA pick Marc Molinaro can do a lot to gum up funding for mass transit across the country. Here's a look at his record.

February 6, 2025

This City Is Turning Bikes into Data-Collection Devices to Support More Bike Lanes

A recent high-tech pilot is helping one Michigan city make the case for low-tech safety technology that saves lives and gets people in the saddle.

February 6, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Clear Their Congestion

We know building more lanes doesn't work, so congestion pricing looks like the best way to actually reduce traffic.

February 6, 2025
See all posts