Posted by chicagomedia.org on February 16, 2009 at 09:22:30:
In Reply to: Tribune's Zuckman to join Obama administration posted by chicagomedia.org on February 15, 2009 at 13:23:33:
Chicago Tribune's Jill Zuckman to join Obama administration
Washington correspondent will work for Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
By Phil Rosenthal | Tribune media columnist
February 16, 2009
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Jill Zuckman, a Chicago Tribune Washington correspondent and frequent guest on political talk shows such as MSNBC's "Hardball" and Fox Broadcasting's "Fox News Sunday," is leaving to join President Barack Obama's administration in the Department of Transportation.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a Peoria Republican and former seven-term member of the U.S. House, has picked Zuckman to serve as assistant to the secretary and director of public affairs.
"I'm excited about going to a department in the administration that's going to play a huge role in hopefully putting people back to work," Zuckman said by phone Sunday.
"Jill is a terrific journalist and colleague who contributed much to our coverage of Congress, national politics and the 2008 presidential campaign," Chicago Tribune Editor Gerould Kern said by e-mail. "We wish her the best in her new assignment."
Zuckman has reported on politics and Congress for the Tribune for the past 81/2 years.
Zuckman said the possibility of working for LaHood was a recent development, but she was mindful of potential conflicts of interest during that time.