DOT Secretary Nominee Ray LaHood ...

… gets high marks from industry groups. But then, it is rare when industry lobbying groups blast a nominee with whom they will have to deal on future policy decisions. The retiring Republican U.S. House member is from Central Illinois, a largely agricultural district with Peoria as its largest city. Rep. LaHood plays well in Peoria; how well he plays as DOT Secretary remains to be seen. From NATA president Jim Coyne: . "The Congressman has been a long-standing advocate for general aviation during his tenure in Congress, and we look forward to this continuing support and his leadership as transportation secretary."  From NBAA president Ed Bolen: "Representative LaHood is widely recognized as an effective public servant, with a solid grasp of transportation policy, as demonstrated by his work on the House Appropriations Committee." From ACI-NA president Greg Principato: "Aviation in the United States faces a number of critical issues including the need to boost investment in infrastructure and modernization of our outdated air traffic control system. These issues cry out for the kind of bipartisan action and leadership that have been the hallmark of Congressman LaHood's career." From ATA: "Congressman Ray LaHood has a well-deserved reputation for his even-handed, thoughtful, and deliberative approach to complex issues." As a Republican, LaHood is part of President-elect Obama's pledge to install a bipartisan Cabinet and Administration. The last DOT Secretary to get so many across-the-aisle kudos was probably Norm Mineta, but his aviation credentials heading into the job far exceeded Rep. LaHood's resume. Scanning Rep. LaHood's own website, two items stand out: "Ray has led efforts to enhance Illinois' infrastructure. He has worked to secure funds to improve local highways, such as the reconstruction of Interstate 74 in Peoria, the expansion of U.S. Route 67, and the completion of Route 336. Ray has been a proponent for improving local airports through securing funds for new construction and expansion, while also working with officials to increase air service. "Ray has been a leader in the promotion of ethanol and has supported policies which are allowing unprecedented expansion of ethanol production in Illinois." From an aviation perspective, expanding airport infrastructure and promoting air service are obvious positives. However, it should be a concern that Rep. LaHood is a leader in promoting ethanol production, which many view as a subsidy to farmers as well as misguided economic policy that is skewing international food markets while having minimal impact (if any) on our dependence on foreign oil. Sure, the man represents farmers, and they love ethanol. But it's still bad policy. Yet, if there is one thing Washington needs these days it is bipartisanship. Thanks for reading. jfi