(CNN) - Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, a former Clinton administration aide, has accepted the position of President-elect Obama's chief of staff, a Democratic aide tells CNN.
Watch: Jessica Yellin reports on Emanuel
House Minority Leader John Boehner criticized the choice of Emanuel - the man known for his tough-minded approach and widely credited with engineering large congressional gains for Democrats in the 2006 elections.
“This is an ironic choice for a President-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center," Boehner said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Jim Manley, a senior communications advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, praised the choice.
"An excellent choice. Rahm knows the Hill," he told CNN. "And he knows the White House. He is a brilliant strategic thinker and someone who knows how to get things done."
From CNN Politics
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EXCELLENT CHOICE, CONGRATULATIONS REP. EMMANUEL!
Great choice, he has experience needed to implement policies well.
Good choice. Emanuel is very smart. Hope his family will move to D.C.
Excellent! I have confidence that he will compose an excellent team!
Rahm is an outstanding choice and will be an outstanding chief.
where is all the change we have been hearing about?
we do not need insiders
Superb choice. President elect Obama means business.
RE: California Gay Marriage vs Church Involvement
Our constitution is very clear about separation of church and state. If a church politicizes from the pulpit, it has entered the realm of "state" or politics and thus is eligible to have its tax exempt status revoked.
I challenge the incoming Attorney General to investigate the churches involved in the politicizing of the gay marriage ban and start court proceedings against removing their tax exampt status. (I have given up on any fairness from the present inhabitants of the White House.)
I, for one, as a heterosexual female, am sick of the targeting by some churches of the gay element of our population. Perhaps if they had to pay for their hate sermons through taxation, they might moderate their unchristian stand. One can only hope.
Katie, Seattle, Washington
AP reports that Obama won North Carolina. It seems that the remaining provisional ballots are not enough for John McCain to finish ahead.
I thought he'd take the job. Good choice.
Great choice – The governor has to think twice now – I am scared – LOL –
I am with you John
Rahm Emanuel is not bi-partisan from his record on the House and what he did to get more money for electing dems to the House. Actions speak louder than any words!
It is funny how Obama is taking all of Bill Clintons people with him.
I think it should have been Hillary
Smart choice. This is the first step in restoring the prosperity similar to the Clinton era.
I am very excited and I am following the process STILL I look forward to the transition stage and starting to understand the all processes of government. He has so many of us engaged!!
This is great!!
Superb choice. Here we go, change on the way.
Wonderful news. . .his first choice. Indicative of Emanuel's respect for our President-elect Obama. Emanuel gave up a great deal to serve. Tough guy and we need tough. YES WE DID. Congratulations America, we finally got it right and so will he. Go Obama, you rock.
That's one selection Boner. Give him time
And the boo-hooing begins...
Rep. John Boehner is going to say anything he can in a critical light while he still holds the Minority Leader role. He is bitter over the loss of seats to the Democrats, and is going to be a crybaby for the next 2 years at a minimum. We all might as well get used to it.
Nothing like a Jewish Liberal activist to shake things up in Washington. Emanuel is an excellent choice, a loyal civil servant, and hopefully, this choice will start us down the road for change.
Well done, Obama.
Excellent choice for Chief of Staff, Mr. President-Elect Obama!
This presidential term is going to prove to be exceptional! God's special Blessing upon President-Elect Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and little Miss Sasha Obama and Miss Malia Obama; and God Bless the United States of America!!! What a wonderful place to live!!
very pleased
WOW! No rest for Obama! He is already following through on his promises! No more extended vacations in Crawford! GO OBAMA!!!!
Boehner needs to get over it. Thats 1 position that has officially been filled and there are how many staff positions???? Maybe you should show a little patience and see who he picks for other spots. CNN jsut showed earlier that he has 2 Republicans in mind already -Hagel and forgot the other, btu I'm sure thats jsut he beginning. Save yoru criticism till he is finished and deserves it.