President Ray LaHood
President of Bradley University, that is.
There has been some speculation that he is considering stepping down from the House to be Bradley’s next figurehead, and on this morning’s Greg & Dan show he laid the speculation to rest when he said “I’m throwing my hat into the ring.”
He later rephrased with “I’m considering throwing my hat into the ring,” but nothing he said made it sound like he didn’t want the job, and I have a feeling the job is his if he wants it.
Why? Sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct answer, and that would be CASH. Bradley needs some big-time money, and Ray can deliver. Beyond that, it’s a smart move for Bradley, as Ray is personable and generally well liked in Peoria, so his smooth talking ways could go a long way to improving the relationship between Bradley and the City of Peoria. On a national scale, having a well regarded (yes, I know that’s debatable) former Congressman as the President of a private college sure can’t hurt their recruiting efforts.
Score one for Bradley.
Why would Ray want to step down to take this position, though? Is he sick and tired of the Washington rat-race, feel like he’s losing some clout, or just being a good dad and paving the way for his son to take his seat (as he hinted to Greg & Dan).
Maybe all of the above.
Time will tell.
Welcome to the hilltop, Ray.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:07 am
I don’t really give a f%$k about BU but otherwise…..ack!
June 4th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Gosh, Vonster, of all people, I figured you’d be thrilled.
June 4th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Ray theHood is seeing the writing on the wall, that 2008 could well be more of a disaster year for Republicans. (It will likely by a pyrrhic victory for Dems) Perhaps he is just hedging his bets that he will need a new job.
As to having theHood as BU President, I think it will be a bad bad thing for the West Bluff. A number of area developers have got to be salivating at the prospect. of one of their own (don’t discount the whole Lebanese family connections here) being in charge.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:51 am
When I saw the headline I thought I was going to read about a misguided adventure a la my local boy Tommy Thompson’s run for prez. He may be good for fund raising and such, but I cannot see anybody attending bradley because LaHood’s the president. I don’t think Donna Shalala’s former chancellorship at the University of Wisconsin has gotten 1 high school senior excited about coming to Madison for University.
June 4th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
LaHood is a moron. He has NO respect in DC. He ONLY got the job because of his brown nosing for Bob Michel. This would be horrific for BU, recruiting wise, unless they are going after the crowd that will go on to the Pat Robertson law school. What next? Don Rumsfeld for athletic director?
Now, ask me how I really feel!
June 4th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
CP … “he may good for fundraising and such” … EXACTLY. I’m sure that’s why they want him. No, he’s not going to recruit students. He would be there to schmooze the donors, and for that his political connections would be invaluable to Bradley.
I doubt LaHood sees any sort of “writing on the wall” for 2008, though. His seat is not in any danger as long as Steve Waterworth remains the Democrat of choice to oppose him. He might have to worry if the Dems actually decided to fight for the 18th district, but for the past several elections they certainly haven’t.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I don’t know if the skill set is really the same, universities are very political but in a different way. During my college career the president’s most useful skill was keeping the little old ladies company after their husbands passed away, always keeping the Alma Mater in the front of their minds; maybe the demographics are changing. People making very large political donations (which I am assuming is what Bradley is trying to replicate) are trying buy influence; what can LaHood do for them? It isn’t about supporting the overriding ideology of LaHood, they support him only in as much as it can get them something. I don’t think that is why people give millions to universities. Sure they want a building named after them but is that really the main objective? I see it being more about leaving a legacy and making a difference for those who are coming up. But I can’t say I have much experience with donating millions, so what do I know?
My other line of thinking is Bradley is in Peoria, but that doesn’t make the alums Peorians. Even though he is a US rep Ray LaHood screams Peoria to me. Not that that is a bad thing, but most institutions try to broaden their appeal. He will be representing Bradley, not Peoria, not Ray LaHood and I just don’t see him being successful in that. Finally I would be ticked off my private, liberal arts university hired a president whose background was all political with none of the usual academic credentials. It just seems to contrary to their mission and the liberal arts philosophy.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Raise your hand if you ever chose a college because who the President was! The President is a figure-head, but should be knowledgeable with academics on a University level. Lahood could be a good President, but will he? The last qualification should be a former Congressman, the first should be what he brings the University. Let’s not play politics with this one. If he’s the man, then fine, but let’s not rush into this.