Ray H. LaHood (born December 6 1945), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995, representing the downstate 18th District of Illinois (map). He has gained national notoriety, especially among C-SPAN viewers, as the presiding officer of more debates than any other member. Most notably, he presided over the impeachment vote against President Bill Clinton.

He was born in Peoria, Illinois, was educated at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and was a teacher, director of the Rock Island County Youth Services Bureau, an aide to Representatives Thomas F. Railsback and Robert Michel , and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives before entering the House.

LaHood has recently come into controversy for repeatedly criticizing members of his own party, such as when he demaned that scandal-ridden Illinois Senate candidate Jack Ryan withdraw his bid, or when he belittled longtime IL-8 rep Phil Crane and predicted that Crane's loss would be the party's "November surprise." He later clarified his remark and praised Crane, but he was right — Crane was defeated that November.

LaHood serves on the Appropriations Committee and Intelligence Committee .

External link

• official website
• Fundraising data (2004)