Rahm Emanuel Wants to Run for Mayor of Chicago

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Democrats ,; White House

(Credit: AP)

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said Monday night that if Chicago Mayor Richard Daley decides he will not seek re-election, he'd like to be there to fill his shoes.

"I hope Mayor Daley seeks re-election," Emanuel, a Chicago native, said on PBS' "The Charlie Rose Show." "I will work and support him if he seeks re-election. But if Mayor Daley doesn't, one day I would like to run for mayor of the city of Chicago."

Daley, who has served as mayor since 1989 and is on track to be the longest-serving mayor in Chicago's history, will be up for re-election in 2011.

Emanuel said he has always aspired to be mayor, even when he was in the House of Representatives. Emanuel was seen as a rising star in the Democratic caucus and a possible candidate for speaker of the house before he left to work in the White House.

"I miss the contact with constituents," he said. "I miss... running the office, that touch with people."

Emanuel said he "learned a lot" from constituents by simply greeting people at the grocery store.

However, his aspirations to serve as speaker are "over," Emanuel said.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by RicardoCabeza September 9, 2010 12:15 PM EDT: Ir would be a good thing if this twinkle toes moves out of Jug Ears administration, Emamanuel the only one that gets things done there. The rest of the egg heads like Axlerod are useless wimps. Also anything bad that happens to Chicago, like Rahm Emmanuel, makes me smile. It's funny to see the mongoloid squirm under the mess they created.; Reply to this comment


by jerryintampa September 9, 2010 12:15 PM EDT: That's a fair trade. Substitute a Jewish crook for an Irish crook. Net sum of zero, however, Emanuel brings one new talent, he can dance Ballet. That's so special.; Reply to this comment


by Anna--belle September 8, 2010 2:19 AM EDT: Rahm don't bother, you're not wanted here. Just goooooooo away you crooked thug.; Reply to this comment


by wallace1303 September 8, 2010 12:12 AM EDT: Run Rahm, Run. They need you back in Chicago...and not in Washington helping Obama destroy this country.; Reply to this comment


by Pouncekitty September 7, 2010 10:59 PM EDT: Chicago deserves another crook, let him run! Let him destroy the Chicago Brand like he destroyed the White House Brand. The guy is a walking lie, a disgrace and a Democrat. Oooopps, all the same thing.; Reply to this comment


by tcp53 September 7, 2010 10:45 PM EDT: Chicago has had it's fill of delusionally self-important,CROOKED politicians lately!! I don't think that the citizens of Chicago want to watch ANOTHER mayor defending himself IN COURT! Rahm just OOZES corruption and deceit..........; Reply to this comment


by LOL_AT_CBS September 7, 2010 10:14 PM EDT: Who wants a ballet dancing screaming sissy for mayor? Especially a traitor Jew?; Reply to this comment


by jossch2 September 7, 2010 10:10 PM EDT: Rahm received millions from Fannie and Freddie for doing absolutely nothing. How anyone could actually vote for these corrupt, foul-mouth phoneys is beyond me. Has Mr. Pottymouth been hiding lately or has he been hiding lately?; Reply to this comment


by Amazingoly September 7, 2010 8:39 PM EDT: Would be the most perfect time to elect a Republican mayor in Chicago to finally end all the corruption there. Let Rahm come there with his foul and corrupt mouth and let him lose. Perfect!; Reply to this comment


by welovetheUSA September 7, 2010 8:33 PM EDT: Sure Rahm can't control America...so he's going to control Chicage..home of the idoits who elect these creeps.; Reply to this comment