Obama offers Chief of Staff position to Congressman Emanuel

President-elect Obama (24 hours later, it still feels great to say that) has offered the job of Chief of Staff in his administration to Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-Illinois). Emanuel is considering the offer, but has not yet accepted, despite earlier media reports.

"Now, my view is, I have obviously two great opportunities, as you know, before me," Emanuel said. "I have to make a decision about my family. I’ve been in the White House. I used to joke in the White House that on Fridays, I would say: it’s two more workdays till Monday. When I was in the White House, I didn’t have children. I do know something about the White House, and I do have children now. I have a family.

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"I got a lot to weigh: my commitment to my country, my commitment to public service and why I got into this, as well as what I want to do as a parent. I’m honored. And I appreciate this. I have a lot to weigh: the basis of public service, which I’ve given my life to, a career choice. And most importantly, what I want to do as a parent. And I know something about the White House. That I assume is one of the reasons that President-elect Obama would like me to serve. But I also know something about what it means to a family."

Congressman Emanuel is the Democratic Caucus Chair, the fourth ranking member of the House Democratic Leadership. It's been said that one factor in his decision on whether or not to become Obama's Chief of Staff is a desire to one day become Speaker of the House.

Emanuel also served as a senior policy and political advisor to President Clinton, so in addition to his knowledge of the halls of Congress, he has a unique perspective of knowing how life in the West Wing works, making him a valuable ally to President-elect Obama.

[Photo courtesy of the U.S. House of Representatives]