Tom Gavin, communications director for Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), announced Tuesday that he is leaving the Senator’s office to work for U2 frontman Bono’s ONE campaign. [IMGCAP(1)]

Gavin is the second major Senate Democratic aide to join the self-described “campaign to make poverty history,” following the decision by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) chief of staff, Susan McCue, to become president of ONE in November.

Gavin has worked on Capitol Hill for 12 years, spending nine with Byrd. He became Byrd’s communications director in 2000, according to a ONE news release.

Ray Stays. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) announced Tuesday that he has decided not to throw his hat in the ring as a candidate to be the next president of his alma mater, Bradley University.

LaHood said he made the decision following a meeting with community leaders this week.

“I have based this decision on the information I have heard from these community leaders and people familiar with the search process,” LaHood said. “I have not based this decision on media reports regarding the search nor on reports of potential finalists for the job.”

Illinois media outlets had reported last week that the search committee already ruled out the seven-term lawmaker from consideration despite his interest. LaHood is now expected to seek re-election to the House, although he did suspend his fundraising activities while he mulled his job options.

Bus Ban, Part II. Commercial tour buses no longer will be able to drive through much of Capitol Hill after the D.C. City Council passed a bill Tuesday that restricts their movement to Pennsylvania Avenue, Maryland Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue and Independence Avenue.

Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells (D) introduced the bill, arguing in a statement that the tour buses have sped through neighborhood streets and disrupted residents since June, when Capitol Police banned the buses from the streets surrounding the Capitol grounds.

“The use of residential streets for idling, parking and loading and unloading passengers is having a significant impact on the people living in Capitol Hill neighborhoods,” Wells said in the statement.

The emergency legislation will go into effect immediately and will last for 225 days, but the council may pass permanent legislation when it convenes again in the fall, said Charles Allen, Wells’ chief of staff.

The restriction will apply only to the Capitol Hill Historic District, which is bound by Virginia Avenue Southeast, South Capitol Street, Second Street Northeast, F Street Northeast, 14th Street Southeast and 14th Street Northeast. The restriction does not include commuter or public buses.

— Emily Pierce, Susan Davis and Emily Yehle