After much speculation on whether he would stay or go, this morning, Secretary Ray LaHood announced to the employees of the U.S. Department of Transportation that after serving for four years in President Obama's cabinet, he would not be staying on for the second term.

Secretary LaHood sent the following email to DOT employees across the country, informing them of his plans:

"I have let President Obama know that I will not serve a second term as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the department, and I am grateful to President Obama for giving me such an extraordinary opportunity. I plan to stay on until my successor is confirmed to ensure a smooth transition for the department and all the important work we still have to do."

LaHood listed among his achievements the Distracted Driving Initiative, reducing roadway fatalities to historic lows, and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act to help build and repair their roads, bridges and transit systems.

In December, he noted, the DOT was recognized as the most improved agency in the entire federal government in the 2012 Best Places to Work rankings published by the Partnership of Public Service.