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.
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Rahm Emanuel's pending departure is the lead-off topic for CNN's John King and Bob Costantini.
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I wish him well though I hope he is prepared to face the possibility of jail time. About half of the politicians in Illinois end up there even if they ARE innocent.
Sad to see Rahm go, CNN was so busy knocking Obama, you overlooked all of Rahms' contributions...nothing good comes from hate...sad...
And we care about this because ?
The white house needs some shaking up,to get this economy going again.
i wish him luck
Won't vote for him
It would be nice if he would take Obama with him!!!!!!!
i wish Emanual best luck, but i think if he stay in White House help out President Obama in this tough time it would be better. He has a lot of experience.
but this is my 2 cent of the day
have a good night
Mat
Emmanuel is ineligible because of the residency requirement. Next story please...
These announcements are supposed to occur six years into an administration not two.more evidence Obama will be a one term president.
It's about time. This man has all but destroyed the current administration with his defensive posture. The White House has been in a CYA mode since day one. Good leadership involves proactive conduct, NOT defensive conduct. This President has had bad advice from the beginning.
Thanks for all your hard work. And good luck in your mayoral bid. I think your administration does not get enough credit for all that they did to stop this country from going into a free fall.
.........Hopefully he can be usefull as the mayor.. He was / is as usefull as tits on a bull in the W.H.
Rats always leave a sinking ship first.
The Chicago mob is calling. Now if he could take the rest of the thugs with him, there might be a chance for the survival of the country.
You know the character Ari from entourage was based on Rahm Emmanuel's brother...interesting, huh?
What the hell , he's suppose too be the white house bad ass, the black assertive type to Obama that he's not. And now he just picks up and leaves. That's a bitch move, I don't believe the whole loyalty to chicago either. Moron
Chicago called. They want their criminal thugs back.
He looks very smart in the picture! Henry Miller said to stop thinking for your friends and start worrying about yourself because when you always are helping others and somethings forget about taking care of yourself. I'm sure he helped the Obama administration plenty to last them a lifetime.
The best thing that could happen for Obama.
Rahm – Good Job! Mr. Obama and the team will be just fine. Thanks for your contribution. Now go and handle your business in Chicago sir.
Rahm has learned corruption at the highest level of govt. Time to take that experience back home in Chi-town.
Lets face it. Rahmbo is being given the boot because he has helped make this the most ineffective president ever.
Demoted to running a city
Good riddence to him. If the people of Chicago are dumb enough to elect him mayor they deserve him!