Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D) of Illinois has been announced as President-elect Obama's Chief of Staff. He is a former top aide to President Clinton and is reputed to bring a tough-minded and pragmatic approach to the White House.
Most recently, Emanuel became the fourth-highest ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives after being elected in 2002. He also worked on Wall Street for an investment banking firm after his time in the Clinton White House.
Emanuel has a direct style that has been known to ruffle a few feathers on Capitol Hill including those of Republicans. Rep. John Boehner (R) of Ohio said, "This is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil and govern from the center."
Also, Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant said, "Barack Obama's first decision as President-elect undermines his promise to 'heal the divides.' Rahm Emanuel is a partisan insider who played a lead role in breaking Washington." Rep. Tom Cole (R) of Oklahoma called him "absolutely relentless."
However, not all Republicans feel the same way. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) of South Carolina said, "He is a tough partisan but also understands the need to work together." Graham also said, "I consider Rahm to be a friend and colleague. He's tough but fair. Honest, direct and candid. These qualities will serve President-elect Obama well."
Former Clinton chief of staff, Mack McLarty called Emanuel "a tough minded pragmatist."
It's only two days after the election and perhaps partisan politics are starting back up already.
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