It looks like Rahm Emanuel is trading in "change politics" for Chicago, since it is expected to be announced today that he is resigning to run for mayor of the Windy City. While speculation has continued over what Emanuel's absence will mean, it is believed that President Obama will tap senior adviser Peter Rouse as acting White House chief of staff. Rouse is a former Alaskan political insider, having spent four years as chief of staff to Republican Alaska Lt. Gov. Terry Miller from 1979 to 1983. In an exchange with the press yesterday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs praised Rouse without confirming the appointment. For some reason, hearing "Alaska," "Republican" and "White House" at the same time makes us uneasy. While people are focused on what Emanuel's absence will mean for the White House, we'll be watching what Rouse's increased presence and power will mean for the White House.
Read more at the Anchorage Daily News.