LaHood sworn into Congress following special election

Posted on September 18, 2015

Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) was sworn into Congress on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Darin LaHood)

By Hanna Gutman

WASHINGTON – The 18th Congressional District, covering central and western Illinois, finally has its new congressman.

After taking the oath Thursday, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) said he will steer clear of the ethical pitfalls that brought down predecessor Aaron Schock. LaHood, son of former U.S. Transportation Secretary and former Congressman Ray LaHood, says he’s grounded.

“Faith, family, working hard, remembering where you came from,” the new Congressman said of his priorities. “Doing the best job you can for the people you represent, and staying grounded in your district.”

LaHood reminded colleagues that in addition to his father, other predecessors from the district include Abraham Lincoln, Everett Dirksen, and Bob Michel.

Proud dad Ray LaHood told reporters the Washington, D.C., office has no traces of the “Downton Abbey” style of decorating that caught people’s eye shortly before Schock resigned this year; the walls are a boring eggshell white.

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