Washington (CNN) – A source close to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel says that Deputy Chief of Staff Pete Rouse is the favorite to take over as chief of staff on a temporary basis in order to give President Obama more time to find a long-term replacement for Emanuel.
But other people close to the situation said it is too early to determine who will replace Emanuel short-term or long-term because the process is so fluid at this point.
Three Democratic sources close to Emanuel say he's all but certain to run to replace retiring Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and leave the White House.
An announcement is expected to be scheduled for Friday, sources said.
Rouse served as chief of staff in Obama's Senate office and is known to have the president's trust. Democratic officials have told CNN that Rouse, who is known for not relishing the spotlight, has suggested he does not want the chief of staff post long-term. But it is expected he would be willing to help the White House get through a transition and then have an influential role in helping to select the full-time replacement.
Sources familiar with the situation said that once Emanuel makea a firm decision the process will move very rapidly because the chief of staff realizes that he has a lot of work to do to get a campaign off the ground. There is some urgency to the situation, because candidates must gather 12,500 signatures by November 22 ahead of the February 22 primary in the race.
Emanuel is also very sensitive to making sure he leaves the White House in good hands given the critical midterm elections that are fast approaching, as well as other transitions expected to happen after the election. For example, the president's chief economic adviser, Lawrence Summers, announced last week he will be leaving at the end of the year and the search for his replacement is under way.
CNN has previously reported that possible fulltime replacements in the mix include top White House aides Tom Donilon, Phil Schilirro and Ron Klain.
-CNN's Chief National Correspondent John King contributed to this report
Good riddance. Chicago deserves him.
I know Obama will miss him, 2 skinny tough kids from chicago...
He'll have plenty to choose from on Nov. 3rd.
Gov. Palin Tweets:
Alaska media slept on the job for how many years re: Obama senior advisor Pete Rouse's claim to be AK resident and "local" voter? For shame.
(Rahm's the smart one...bailing before Nov) Now, check out possible COS Pete Rouse. His background, voter reg in AK,etc. It's a small world
Alaska's Pete Rouse (@ least he claims to be "Alaska")finally comes out of the shadows; Obama looks to appt him COS;strange doings in the WH
If you bring ludicrous ethics complaints against Ms. Palin you are reward by Pres. Obama.
Rouse is one of Obama's senior advisors, not a Deputy Chief of Staff.
I'm sure Barry will name another socialist czar to take ballerina boy's place by weeks end.
If White House insiders thought there was the slightest chance that Obama might be elected to a second term in 2012, Rahm Emanuel and others would not be fleeing their positions of power in the manner of bugs that have smelled Raid coming.
Im glad he is going, im just hope Obama don't pick someone thats going to get him in trouble like Rahm did.