Emanuel all but certain to run for Chicago mayor, sources say
(CNN) - Three Democratic sources close to Rahm Emanuel tell CNN that the White House chief of staff informed senior colleagues he is all but certain to run for mayor of Chicago, and will leave the White House to take the final exploratory steps.
Close associates are already building a campaign team according to sources.
An announcement by Emanuel is expected to be scheduled for Friday, sources said.
One of the sources, a prominent Democrat close to the White House chief of staff, told CNN, "We see nothing that will stop a run. But you don't announce a campaign for mayor of Chicago in Washington, D.C. You leave and go home and finish your business there."
The second source said Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg's research of a possible mayoral run for Emanuel was "very positive. He has some obvious things to deal with, but it was very encouraging."
Asked what the potential issues were, the source said "nothing you wouldn't expect. Just reminding people Chicago always was before Washington."
Assuming there is no hitch - and none is expected - longtime Obama adviser Pete Rouse is in line to be tapped as interim chief of staff, two of the sources said.
All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the White House personnel turnover and the campaign planning.
More:
Rahm Emanuel's pending departure is the lead-off topic for CNN's John King and Bob Costantini.
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Mixed feelings I guess; is he helping Obama get things done? If he is, then I would hope he would stay. Still he does like the mayor's job. I guess that he is his own person and has his own goals.
Go Emanuel ! Chicago look forward go having you!!
That'd suck if he left the whitehouse then lost the mayoral election. One more unemployed in this economy. Lol.
What can Emanuel say when he arrives in Chicago blushing the most vivid red (from communism and the rush of blood to his face)?
He might try, "I didn't know Obama could be as bad as Carter...as weak, in bed with the unions, with the banks, and a Communist to boot. Gee guys–I'm sorry, and I really mean that, ya know. Let's go for coffee an'!"
From the frying pan into the fire.
Best of luck Mr. mayor!
Hey Rahm..How about you revoke that Israeli citizenship before running for mayor??
You agreed to serve the President and now you're running for office? I'm so disappointed in your poor choice. The President needs you now more than ever and you're abandoning him for your own personal gain. We teach our children to honor their promises–I would expect the same of you. If I lived in Chicago I would never vote for you based on this fact alone–you could be elected mayor and later on resign to do something else.
Let Chicago have him. (Hows that for courteous CNN). This guy is Evil on a National level. Let him sink Chicago.
Its half-way sunk anyway.
Hey Guys, will you visit SaveStan.ORG a friend of mine with 4 babies is fighting for his life..... Thanks
I'd say it's about time Chicago gets rid of crooks and gives this Rahm guy a healty kick in the butt...The city of corruption needs a face lift and this Rahm guy is definitely not the one to do it. Frankly I don't think there is any honest politician left in this country in general or in Chicago in particular...maybe...maybe I'd give that Sherrif a second look
So anyone want to make a bet on who the next rat to jump ship will be?
I'm almost in tears. Chicago really needs another one like him for their Governpr. That would keep up with the tradition. Are Illinois voters smarter than a 5th grader? That is the question.
Funny how most political people can say one thing and look like their saying something else. But Emanuel always looks like he has Guido and the ice pick on speed dial!
Go Away Rahm, this country has had enough trouble without you prescribing political advice that was and always will be ass backwards! Howard Dean for Chief of Staff!
I think Rahm emanuel is a very smart person he can see the future of the democrat winding down. He is making the move for his personal interest.
Wow,
not sure why he is also leaving –
Whatever the case, God will continue to guide, protect and held the president!
God Bless him, his family and God Bless America
I am concerned that Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod's departure from the Obama administration means that the anti-Israel policies of James Jackson now have no pushback in the Obama circle of advisors and may lead to devastating consequences for the already fragile peace negotiations. Israel has no friends in the White House now, maybe Joe Biden, but certainly not Hillary Clinton. Emanuel's and Alxelrod's departure is very much a sad signal for the peace process.
The tragedy of Obama's being elected president leaves a group of victims I had not fully considered before Emanuel opened his pink and baby-blue parachute and dived from Air Force One: those humans who were swept into power behind Obama along with the nervous and snappy new family dog.
Actually, the dog is the only one in the whole crew who is without any blame: he had no idea what Obama was up to.
To think of dems jumping ship should tell us as americans they cant do the job so what makes us here in Chicage that another dem can do it here? WOW
So, with storm clouds on the horizon, the rats have begun jumping ship...
Great news! He led Obama down the wrong road derailing his agenda for flawed deal making. He has about as much chance of being Mayor of Chicago as Jeb Bush. Does he think people here haven't noticed how he sold liberals down the river. He can go work for Special Interest groups now.
Democrats and mayor of Chicago have always been a done deal. This guy will be a shoe in and he is an expert at playing the machine game that is so strong in the windy city. New face, some old game.
My advice for the President (not that it matters): replace Emanuel with someone who will force the administration into a more progressive political stance.
How will CNN fare without there liberal little darling out of the white house. He would be better at dog catcher. Couldn't screw as many thing up that way. Good ridiance. And remember in November take out the rest of the trash