Skip to Content
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Log In

Obama Nominee Ray LaHood Appropriated Big Money to Road Lobby

Ray_lahood.jpgObama's Transportation Secretary nominee Ray LaHood

Streetsblog Network blogger Hugh Bartling has a great post on the brewing turmoil surrounding President-elect Obama's choice for Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood.  LaHood's confirmation hearing was delayed today after the Washington Post reported that in his position on the House Appropriations Committee he steered at least $9 million dollars to campaign donors last year.

From the Washington Post article:

The former Republican congressman chosen by President-elect Barack Obamato direct billions in federal highway spending has been an unapologeticadvocate of earmarks, a practice Obama now opposes, and has used hisinfluence to win funding for projects pushed by some of his largestcampaign contributors.

Bartling follows the money to William Cellini, the head of the
Illinois Asphault Paving Association, who was indicted last year for extorting funds for Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Wow, Illinois politics is sordid and exciting!  All we've got is a lousy tit-for-tat budget crisis.

Photo: Washington Post

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Advocates at Vision Zero Rally Call for New Commitment to Safety

Politicians and advocates want a path charted towards achieving the goal of Vision Zero. But contradictions remain

April 29, 2025

This Parking Bill Could Help Solve the Housing Crisis

Washington state just passed a package of reforms that could juice housing production and get landlords to give non-drivers a break on their rent. But will other states go even further?

April 29, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Valencia Curbside Protected Bike Lanes Nearing Completion

SFMTA seems to be on schedule on the most studied, most debated eight blocks of protected bike lane in the history of bike lanes

April 28, 2025
See all posts