Obama: Labor pick is blazing new trails "As secretary of labor, I will work to strengthen our unions

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/19/transition.wrap/?iref=mpstoryview

December 19, 2008

(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama unveiled a diverse group of nominees Friday to round out his Cabinet and economic team.

At a news conference in Chicago, Illinois, Obama nominated Rep. Hilda Solis for secretary of labor. She is a four-term Democratic congresswoman from Los Angeles, California.


Rep. Hilda Solis is seen as a strong advocate for working men and women by organized labor.


He also nominated Republican Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois as transportation secretary, venture capitalist Karen Mills to head the Small Business Administration and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to serve as U.S. trade representative.

"Together with the appointees that I have announced, these leaders will help craft a 21st century economic plan with the goal of creating 2.5 million jobs and strengthening our economy," Obama said.

Obama said he is "confident the department of labor will stand up for working families" under Solis' watch. "Hilda has always been an advocate for everyday people ... a champion of the middle class."

" blazing new trails every step of the way," he said.

"I am humbled and honored," Solis said. "As secretary of labor, I will work to strengthen our unions."

FULL story at link.