The Post notes that Sec. of Transportation-designee LaHood appears to have secured earmarks and notes President-elect Obama’s position on the earmarking.

LaHood’s record poses an important question as hearings begin today that will explore how he would administer part of a $775 billion stimulus package that will be directed to the Transportation Department. LaHood has defended his use of earmarks as a way to direct federal money to decaying communities in his district and insisted there is no connection between his earmarks and projects benefiting campaign donors.

Obama has pledged to resist pressure from local interests and to block unjustified earmarks from inclusion in the stimulus bill. “We’re not having earmarks in the recovery package, period,” he said Jan. 7.

LaHood’s confirmation hearing, scheduled for yesterday, was delayed.