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Last week, Amtrak's board elected Thomas Carper chairman. Former Chairman Donna McLean was named vice chairman to replace Hunter Biden, who remains a board member.

"With the change in administration, it is best for the company to have Tom as chairman," said McLean in a prepared statement.

The Amtrak board currently consists of four voting members — Democrats Carper and Biden, and Republicans McLean and Nancy Naples — and President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman, who is a non-voting member. This year, the board will be expanded to include nine members as part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, which was approved late last year. The board currently has seven positions, but two are vacant.

An Amtrak board member since March 2008, Carper has served in various Illinois state and local government positions, including mayor of the city of Macomb.