Emanuel said up for Obama post

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., could become White House chief of staff in an Obama administration, Washington politicos suggested Tuesday.

Roll Call reported several sources said Emanuel, the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House, who could become the next speaker, had not informed House Democratic leaders he would accept a position should Sen. Barack Obama win the presidency but had told other confidants he would do so.

"I think it's a big loss for the House, and it would better if he stayed," Steve Elmendorf, a top Democratic lobbyist, told Roll Call. "But being speaker is theoretical, and this is something that's right in front of him that he can have right now."

Emanuel's staff cast aside the idea he was talking to Obama before the election votes were counted.

"Anyone familiar with Rahm Emanuel's thinking knows he is solely focused on Election Day: a victory for Barack Obama, increasing the Democratic majority in the House, and bringing change to Washington," said spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg.

Emanuel previously served as a top adviser to former President Bill Clinton.