Obama to appoint Charlotte, N.C. mayor as transportation secretary
President Obama on Monday will nominate Charlotte, N.C. Mayor Anthony Foxx to be his next secretary of transportation, CBS News has learned.
Foxx, who was first elected in 2009, gained notoriety last year after his city hosted the Democratic National Convention.
Foxx has overseen the wide expansion of transportation infrastructure in Charlotte, including the expansion of the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and the LYNX light rail system. During his tenure, the city also broke ground on the Charlotte Streetcar Project. Foxx's experience shows he can effectively integrate local, state and federal resources to meet transportation challenges, a White House official said.
If confirmed Foxx will replace outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who announced his retirement earlier this year. LaHood previously served as a Republican in Congress, and his departure leaves Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel as the only Republican in Mr. Obama's cabinet.
