While no official announcement has been made, the wheels are in motion to have U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., join the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

The University invited Oberstar to join its staff after he lost re-election to GOP opponent Chip Cravaack, said Lee Munnich, director of the Humphrey InstituteâÄôs State and Local Policy Program.

If the deal is made official, Oberstar could join the staff soon after the first of next year.

His position at the Institute would include: giving seminars, teaching, writing a book and working with transportation policies.

âÄúAs a visiting scholar, he may not be here all the time,âÄù Munnich said, âÄúbut we will be establishing an ongoing relationship with him based on his transportation expertise.âÄù

Oberstar is not a stranger to the University.

Previously the Center for Transportation Studies has had an Oberstar forum âÄì a day and a half event focusing on transportation issues.

âÄúWe would have an opportunity to work with him and learn from his talents,âÄù Munnich said. âÄúWe think his knowledge would be a benefit to the University.âÄù