Charlotte Mayor Tapped to Run U.S. Transportation Dept.

President Barack Obama is nominating the mayor of Charlotte to head his Department of Transportation.

Obama revealed Mayor Anthony Foxx as his pick in the White House East Room Monday.

The president called the rising Democratic star his friend and called on the Senate to quickly confirm him. He said he wants to get Americans back to work rebuilding roads and other infrastructure.

Foxx is the first black nominee among Obama's picks for open spots in his second-term Cabinet.

If confirmed, he will replace outgoing Secretary Ray LaHood, one of the few Republicans serving in Obama's administration.

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