WASHINGTON – Nobody at the White House would be surprised if President Barack Obama’s influential chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, decides to run for Chicago mayor, and already there is speculation as to who would replace him.
Mayor Richard Daley’s decision on Tuesday to not seek re-election on February 22nd leaves the door open for a run by Mr Emanuel, the expletive-spewing former ballet dancer who has helped guide the direction of Mr Obama’s presidency.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Mr Emanuel – who is so well known around Washington that often he is referred to simply as “Rahm” – is staying focused on his job.
But Mr Gibbs added: “Obviously, something like that doesn’t come around a lot.”
Mr Obama’s chief political adviser, David Axelrod, told ABC News that the Chicago mayor job was “an unbelievably attractive opportunity”.
"And I'm sure if Rahm decides to do that, the president will support that decision," said Mr Axelrod, who is from Chicago and covered city hall for the Chicago Tribuneas a young man.
Mr Emanuel’s departure would leave a hole in the close-knit White House team and would represent the start of what many Obama watchers expect will be a staff shake-up after the November 2nd congressional elections.
Mr Emanuel (50), though slight of frame, is a towering figure in Washington whose no-nonsense style and experience on Capitol Hill as a former lawmaker from Illinois have combined to help advance Mr Obama’s agenda.
He has drawn fire from liberals for not engaging in an all-out pursuit of the liberal agenda, while former officials from the Clinton White House are fiercely supportive of him as the type of person this embattled White House needs.
Mr Emanuel has until November 30th to file his candidacy, but would probably have to make his intentions known much sooner to give himself time to mount a campaign. – (Reuters)