The White House is set to get a new Chief of Staff, after it is confirmed that current Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel is leaving to run for the mayor of Chicago. Peter Rouse is set to take over the office of White House Chief of Staff.
Emanuel gave a five minute farewell in the Roosevelt Room this morning, with attendees saying he was at time teary eyed. Emanuel is known for his tough style and for pushing his peers hard. In a self-admission to being a tough boss, Emanuel stated that “I did it in service to the president and I believe our country is better off for it.”
Two insider jokes were given a nod as Emanuel was presented with a dead Asian Carp wrapped in Chicago newspapers at his farewell. The tongue-in-cheek farewell gift makes note of a legend that Emanuel sent a dead fish to a pollster who he was at loggerheads with. It also refers to Emanuel’s little-known quest to stop the Asian Carp from entering Lake Michigan. President Obama has appointed a so-called ‘carp czar’ to tackle the issue.
Emanuel’s replacement is not thought to be a long-term deal, but the choice of Rouse is said to indicate that the President is keen to keep his ‘inner circle’ of advisors close. Analysts expect similar moves by Obama when it comes time to make choices for other personnel changes at the White House.
Emanuel has until November 22 to secure 12,500 signatures to secure his place in the Chicago mayoral race.
