LaHood is retiring after serving his downstate district since 1994. That nomination is expected to come on Thursday morning.
On Wednesday, Obama chose former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack for agriculture secretary. Vilsack is expected to push Obama's pledge to trim wasteful farm subsidies.
Also nominated on Wednesday was Colorado senator ken Salazar. He's been tapped to lead the interior department.
Salazar supports offshore drilling and has vowed to to help reduce america's dependence on foreign oil.
