Reid adviser considered for FAA post
WASHINGTON — Bob Herbert, a senior policy adviser to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is being considered to head the Federal Aviation Administration once President-elect Barack Obama takes office early next year.
Herbert, 51, is from Reno. He managed Reid’s Las Vegas office in 2003 and 2004, and presently advises the Senate majority leader on defense, veterans, transportation and homeland security issues.
He is deputy commander of the Nevada Army National Guard, where he also was former director of aviation, a test pilot and flight instructor.
“I literally trust Bob Herbert with my life, as he has flown me to various places around the state of Nevada,” Reid said in September 2004 speech marking Herbert’s promotion to Army colonel.
The FAA, with 43,000 employees, regulates all commercial and private aviation, including management of the air traffic control system.
The Wall Street Journal reported on a blog this week that it had obtained confirmation Herbert was a candidate to replace Robert Sturgell, who has been acting FAA administrator since September 2007.
A Reid spokesman on Thursday would not comment whether Herbert was under consideration, nor would a spokeswoman for Obama’s transition team.
Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault @stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.
