Ray LaHood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ray LaHood | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Bob Michel |
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| Born | December 6, 1945 Peoria, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Kathy LaHood |
| Religion | Catholic |
Raymond H. "Ray" LaHood (born December 6, 1945), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995, representing downstate Illinois's 18th congressional district (map). He has gained national notoriety, especially among C-SPAN viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the impeachment vote against President Bill Clinton.
He was born in Peoria, Illinois, was educated at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and was a teacher, director of the Rock Island County Youth Services Bureau, an aide to Representatives Tom Railsback and Robert Michel, and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives before entering the House. He is of Lebanese descent, as are Senator John E. Sununu, Representatives Darrell Issa and Charles Boustany, and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. LaHood is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership.
LaHood was said to be considering a challenge to Governor Rod Blagojevich's re-election bid in 2006, but on August 18, 2005 he ruled out a run, saying few outside his district would know him.
In 2006, LaHood beat veteran Steve Waterworth[1] by a margin of 147,108 (67%) to 71,106 (33%)[2].
A strong advocate for advancing the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, LaHood authored a law that established the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which lay the groundwork for celebrating the 16th president's 200th birthday in 2009. He also has been a lead Capitol Hill supporter for the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield and is one of 15 members on the ALBC.
In 2007 LaHood considered a candidacy as the president of his alma mater Bradley University, replacing the departed David Broski. [3] However, LaHood decided against applying for the position[4]
On July 26, 2007, LaHood stated he will not seek re-election in 2008 and will retire when his current term expires in January 2009.[5]
[edit] Committee Assignments
- Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
- Select Intelligence Oversight Panel (Ranking Member)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood official House site
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
- Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
- Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
- Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
- Issue positions and quotes at On The Issues
- Current Bills Sponsored at StateSurge.com
- SourceWatch Congresspedia — Ray LaHood profile
- Congressman Ray LaHood official campaign site
- Articles
- Washington Post - A Setback for Civility August 2, 2007
- The Hill - LaHood staying put July 10, 2007
- Peoria Journal Star — LaHood Ponders Post June 2, 2007
| Preceded by Robert H. Michel |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 18th congressional district 1995 – present |
Incumbent |
