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And the next U.S. transportation secretary might be … Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.). At least according to a statement released by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and various newspaper reports.

President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate LaHood as the successor to Mary Peters, who became transportation secretary in 2006 under President Bush. LaHood would be the second Republican on Obama’s cabinet, according to the reports.

He has represented Illinois’ 18th congressional district since November 1994. LaHood did not seek reelection and will leave his House post on Jan. 2. He previously served as chief of staff for House Minority Leader Robert Michel (R-Ill.) and was a member of Illinois’ House.

“Congressman LaHood has been a friend to our union when it comes to construction and transportation issues,” said LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan in a prepared statement. “President Obama said he would have a bipartisan administration and we look forward to working with the next transportation secretary to build America’s transportation system.”