Rahm Emanuel – Democratic Congressman from Illinois, and a veteran of the Clinton administration - has accepted the President-elect Barack Obama’s offer to become the new White House chief of staff. Informing Obama of his decision on Thursday, Emanuel said he would step down as the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives to help guide the Obama administration.

About Emaneul’s appointment, Obama said in a statement: “I announce this appointment first because the chief of staff is central to the ability of a president and administration to accomplish an agenda. And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.”

Rahm Emanuel, who is known by some as “Rahmbo” because of his toughness and aggressive style, will control access to the new president and will help develop administration policies. He was seen as a key player in the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives in 2006, in his capacity as chairman of the political committee in charge of helping Democrats gain seats in Congress.  

About his new role, Emanuel said in a statement: “Now is a time for unity. I will do everything in my power to help you stitch together the frayed fabric of our politics, and help summon Americans of both parties to unite in common purpose.

He added: “Like the record amount of voters who cast their ballot over the last month, I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs. We have work to do, and Tuesday Americans sent Washington a clear message - get the job done.”