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Congress Loses a Strong Voice for Bipartisanship

AAI
Posted on Friday July 27, 2007

WASHINGTON – July 27, 2007 – Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), a longtime friend of AAI and member of the Arab American congressional delegation, has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term in 2008.

LaHood served seven terms in the House of Representatives, developing a reputation for commitment to principles over politics and for working to bridge an often vast partisan divide. He was a prominent voice in Congress on a number of issues, including ones of particular concern to Arab Americans.

“Congress is losing one of its most thoughtful and committed members in Ray LaHood,” said James Zogby, president of AAI.

“Ray embraced his heritage, made frequent trips to the Middle East in his official capacity and was a wonderful spokesman on many issues of concern to Arab Americans. His service will be greatly missed by his constituents and the Arab American community nationwide.”

“I for one will never forget the leadership he showed in helping us get hearings and finally end airport profiling in the 1990s,” Zogby added.

LaHood, who represented Illinois’s 18th congressional district, has devoted his life to public service, working as a teacher, state representative and chief of staff to longtime House Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-Ill.). He was elected to Michel’s seat following his retirement from the House in 1994. LaHood was respected by members on both sides of the aisle for his strong character and principles, and was a media favorite for his candor and independent voice.

At a time when members of Congress from opposite sides of the aisle struggle to find common ground, LaHood has always stood out for his effort at bipartisanship. In fact, among his most noteworthy achievements has been serving as co-chair of four Congressional Bipartisan Retreats, an effort that sought to bridge the divide between Republicans and Democrats and identify areas of common ground.