LaHood's lovefest rolls on

By Jim Tankersley

As Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) officially announced his plans to retire on a mini-tour of Illinois today, his Washington colleagues -- including several Democrats -- continued to heap praise on his congressional tenure.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) called LaHood "someone who can really work across the aisle" in an interview. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) called him "an extraordinary person," "very levelheaded" and "a gem" for Illinois.

Other colleagues gushed more prolifically in press releases, including Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Phil Hare (D-Ill.) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Read on for their comments, along with LaHood's press release on retirement today:

Congressman LaHood will not seek re-election to Congress

For release: Friday, July 27, 2007

Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria) today released the following statement at news conferences in Peoria, Springfield, and Jacksonville:

"This year marks my 30th year in public service. On November 8, 1994 I was honored to be elected to represent the citizens of the 18th District. After working for Congressman Bob Michel and Congressman Tom Railsback for 17 years in the minority party, I never imagined that first election night would cap the day which swept the Republican Party back into the majority on Capitol Hill.

"Since that first election almost 13 years ago, I have always maintained that this was not a lifetime job. The time has come to honor that commitment.

"Therefore, today I am announcing that I will not run for re-election in 2008. There is still much to be done in the 110th Congress, and I look forward to that work, but I will retire from public life at the conclusion of this term in January of 2009.

"I truly believe that public service is a noble profession. The citizens of the 18th District, by electing me as their Representative in the U. S. House, have given me a wonderful opportunity to serve not only them, but all the people of Illinois and of our great country. Being chosen by one's neighbors to represent them in Congress is one of the greatest honors free people can bestow on a fellow citizen. I owe a great debt of gratitude to my supporters for this chance to serve.

"It is hard to express in words what it means to have the opportunity to represent a district which was once represented by such political giants as Abraham Lincoln, Everett Dirksen, and Bob Michel.

"Today I cannot help but think of my parents who instilled in me an ethic of hard work and my grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island and eventually settled in Peoria. They were welcomed with the typical generosity and warmth that characterizes our part of the world. They were good citizens, who worked hard, and raised a great family. That their grandson was able to become a United States Representative is proof that "the American dream" is not just a slogan but a continuing living reality to those who are willing to make it work. I know that is true, because my fellow citizens helped me live that dream.

"In the end it is my family to whom I will be forever indebted. During the past 30 years, my family, and particularly my wife Kathy, has carried many burdens and responsibilities alone as I spent time away from them in an effort to live out my political dream and fulfill my obligations as a public servant. They have supported and encouraged me over the past three decades.

"It is time for me to attempt to repay that debt, and I truly look forward to many wonderful years with my wife, my children and my grandchildren.

"God bless the citizens of Illinois who have given me this wonderful opportunity. God bless my family for everything they have endured, and God bless the United States of America."

STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR DICK DURBIN REGARDING THE RETIREMENT OF CONGRESMAN RAY LAHOOD

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the retirement of Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL):

“Ray LaHood really represents the best in public service. He is thoughtful, honest and effective.”

“Ray LaHood was schooled in politics by Bob Michel who believed that heated political debate did not have to be mean or personal. Over the years party differences never came between us when it came to our friendship and serving Illinois.”

“Several times in his career Ray offered his Caucus and Congress a different, more civilized path away from the vicious side of political life. History has proven Washington and America would have benefited from his counsel.”

“Ray and Kathy LaHood have been a great Congressional team for Peoria and Central Illinois and will be a hard act to follow.”

SHIMKUS COMMENDS LaHOOD ON SERVICE TO NATION

Washington, DC…..Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) issued the

following statement upon learning of the retirement of Congressman Ray LaHood

(R, Illinois-18) at the end of the 110th Congress:

“Ray has been a tremendous leader among our Illinois delegation. He has also been

a tremendous mentor and friend to me personally.

“Ray’s leadership has also been a benefit to the entire Congress. He has been able to

increase bipartisan friendships and camaraderie without compromising his

Republican principles. His institutional knowledge of Congress far surpasses nearly

every other Member of Congress.

“It is always a plus to have Ray support your legislation. I always sought him out to

cosponsor my bills and never looked forward to the few times we were on opposite sides.

“I can only wish Ray the best in his retirement. We will miss him greatly.”

Hare Statement on LaHood's Decision Not to

Seek Re-Election

WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Phil Hare (D-Rock Island) today released the following statement in response to Congressman Ray LaHood's (R-Peoria) decision to step down at the end of the 110th Congress.

"I've known Ray for over 25 years and consider him to be one of the true gentlemen in Illinois politics.

"During a time of strong partisan differences, Ray always remained an unapologetic moderate, putting the needs of his district above any political party.

"In my short time in Congress, the two of us have already worked on a number of joint projects-including securing funding for a railroad overpass in Galesburg.

"Ray's generosity to my predecessor and former boss Lane Evans has been extraordinary. I was proud to work with him to rename a Rock Island Post Office in Lane's honor.

"Ray is an extremely bright member who works hard on the Appropriations Committee to deliver for his constituents.

"And for those of us who are C-SPAN junkies, we know that few handled the chair as Speaker Pro Tempore better than Ray.

"Ray has a terrific family and I wish him the best as he goes home to Peoria to spend more time with them.

"I will always be grateful for Ray's friendship and his service to Illinois and the nation."