LaHood was a Republican once.
In August 2007, LaHood received a 0% rating from the conservative and anti-earmark Club for Growth 2007 RePORK Card.[12] He received an 11% rating from the conservative lobbying group Citizens Against Government Waste in August 2007, and holds a lifetime 49% rating from the group.[13]
In 2007 LaHood considered, but later decided against, applying for the post of president of Bradley University.[5]
During the 2008 presidential election, LaHood supported John McCain, but criticized the rallies being held by McCain’s vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, saying she should put a stop to the name calling, and that the tactic could backfire. “This doesn’t befit the office that she’s running for. And frankly, people don’t like it,” he said.[14][15]