LaHood Telegraphs Mayoral Endorsement

Was that a Rahm Emanuel endorsement from Ray LaHood?

The Transportation Secretary joined Senator Dick Durbin and Mayor Richard Daley in Chicago Monday to announce $3.4 million grant to fund the design of a new air traffic control tower at O'Hare airport.

This money is one step in a forward looking O'Hare expansion plan that has been supported by Daley for years.

But Daley won't be around when the project is completed.

One reporter asked LaHood what his message to the next mayor of Chicago would be, should he not be on board with the proposed expansion.

"We'll, if it's who I think it's going to be we won't have to deliver any messages," LaHood said. "He gets it."

The "he" appears to be Rahm Emanuel, who knows LaHood from, among other places, his time as White House Chief of Staff.

"When you said 'if it's who I believe it's going to be," the reporter followed up. "Can we construe that as a cabinet endorsement?"

LaHood: "No, no, no."

Daley got in the mix moments later when another reporter began a question by saying Chicago would have a new mayor.

"Thanks a lot," Daley said. "It's not until May."

Mayoral candidates began filing petitions to replace Daley Monday.

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