Politics Today: Ray LaHood

By: Krystle Russin

"One day while watching TV, you channel surf over to C-SPAN. As usual, they're playing an event in Congress. Boring right? Until you see your 8th grade teacher.

If you're the type of person who does happen to watch C-SPAN, then you may have noticed Ray LaHood (R-18th District). The congressman has chaired more House proceedings than anyone else in history - not bad for someone who has only served four terms.

Unlike most politicians, LaHood is also a former junior high teacher. He was brought into the political arena when after moving to Rock Island, he became involved with local government and campaigns.

This interview marks the fourth week of my political Q&A series.


Q: Over a century ago, Abraham Lincoln represented the same district you do today. As a Republican, what does this feel like to you?
A: I believe it is a great honor to represent the very district that Abraham Lincoln represented in Congress. Following this November's election, the new 18th District will contain every county of the 11 that Lincoln represented from 1847-1849. Lincoln is probably the greatest President our country has had and many of his views on national issues were formed during his tenure in Congress. I believe there is a real significance to be traveling to many of the same places he traveled during his time in Congress and I take pride in advancing the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Q: You are now up for reelection - what issue(s) do you think will really stand out to voters?
A: The war on terrorism is the largest issue that faces the voters this year. I am asked about it at every event I attend. People are concerned about their safety in the United States, how the war is going in Afghanistan and other areas, and what our government is doing to prevent another 9/11 tragedy. It is the one issue in Washington that overshadows all others right now.

Economic issues are also a concern to voters. Central Illinois citizens have experienced their fair share of layoffs and downsizings over the past couple years, and people are concerned about protecting their jobs.

Agriculture is another issue that has a big impact on local citizens. Our Central Illinois farmers contribute much to the economy of our area. The implementation of a new Farm Bill this year will hopefully offset some of the poor economic times our farmers have faced the past few years.

Q: Is there anything you might do differently this election year? Why or why not?
A: With the redistricting that went into effect following the 2000 census, Illinois lost one of its U.S. House seats. The district that I represent grew from 14 to 20 counties because of that, so I will be traveling to many new areas that I have not represented in the past. Counties such as Adams, Brown, Pike, Scott, and Schuyler, which are new to the 18th District, will see a lot more of me because of the redistricting.

Q: No other members have worked so closely with chairing the House proceedings. What do you feel you have learned from this experience?
A: Chairing the proceedings of the U.S. House is a tremendous honor for me. The U.S. Congress is the legislative body looked to by countries around the world as the model for democratic government and it is humbling to be called upon to lead a legislative chamber that has so much history and importance. My political mentor, Bob Michel, served in the minority for 38 years and never had the opportunity to chair the House, so I am all the more grateful that I was able to chair House proceedings during my first year in Congress in 1995 and each year since then.

Q: So far, you have agreed with President Bush on his administration's actions. Are there any times in which you have ignored party lines and didn't support what most Republicans believed?
A: My most high-profile difference was my refusal to sign the Contract For America in 1994. I was concerned about its call for tax cuts without making a serious effort to reduce our nation's debt. I am an ardent supporter of paying off our $5.5 trillion national debt so future generations will not be paying it off. Because of that conviction I have opposed large tax cuts on several occasions because I felt we were not focusing enough on the debt.

Q: When working as part of the Intelligence Committee, what is an average day like for you? What do you think the thoughts on terrorism and on September 11 will be in 25 years?
A: Serving on the House Intelligence Committee has been a tremendous experience for me and has allowed me to become very familiar with the wide range of issues that face our country around the globe. Currently both the House and Senate Intelligence committees are holding joint hearings to look at the events surrounding September 11. These hearings are closed to the public because of the sensitive nature of the classified material discussed at them.

I believe in 25 years the events of 9/11 and our nation's response to the terrorist acts will be viewed as a watershed moment when the citizens of the U.S. became aware that fanatical terrorists are a real threat to our country. I think it will be viewed as the impetus for creating an atmosphere in which the federal government makes protecting our citizens in our own land one of its top priorities. I also believe the victims of 9/11 will remembered as true patriots and heroes for our country.

Q: You were a teacher before entering politics. How would you react if someone had told you that you would one day become a member of Congress?
A: I would not have believed them. When I was in school and early in my professional career I had no idea that I would one day be so involved in politics and legislation. But as I taught social studies to junior high students I began to realize that I could make a difference through the political process. I became involved with the Republican Party as a precinct committeeman and then eventually went to work for a couple Congressmen. That enabled me to have the training and experience to get elected to Congress when I had the opportunity.

 

Krystle Russin writes for The State Journal-Register(IL) and contributes political articles/interviews to several publications including PurePolitics.com.