Rouse Chosen as Rahm’s Successor

Rahm's shoes are already filled: NBC News reports that White House senior adviser Pete Rouse will be named Rahm Emanuel’s successor as White House chief of staff after Emanuel resigns Friday in order to run for mayor of Chicago. Rouse joined President Obama’s Senate office in 2004 and served then as his chief of staff, though he's been a largely spotlight-shy and behind-the-scenes presence. He also was one of three people to head Obama’s transition team when he was president-elect. Rouse helped to craft his image as an outsider that was crucial to winning the 2008 election, and reportedly convinced Obama not to vote for the confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts. He will take over Emanuel's title and will not be simply serving on an interim basis, as some had predicted.