LaHood told the Chicago Tribune Thursday that he is staying in his job for one term and will not run for public office again.
He said he anticipates some “wonderful opportunities” awaiting him once he leaves government.
LaHood isn’t the only one planning to head for the exit. White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, who like LaHood is from Illinois, told a Chicago television station this week that he’s also headed back to the Land of Lincoln after next year. And Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has also said she’s a one-termer and spent time this week once again shooting down suggestions that she would replace Vice President Biden as Obama’s running mate next year.
Other Obama Cabinet secretaries, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, have been more coy about their future plans.
With one year to go on the job, LaHood also announced Thursday that his spokeswoman, Jill Zuckman, is stepping down to join SKDKnickerbocker, a Democratic consulting firm. She will be succeeded by Sasha Johnson, currently the top spokeswoman for the FAA and a former CNN producer.
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