Chicago mayor not running for president

CHICAGO, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Rahm Emanuel said he is happy being mayor of Chicago and has no interest in seeking the presidency in 2016.

"No, never, not. Not interested," Emanuel said Thursday.

The rumors of the new mayor's potential run for president were fueled after Emanuel accepted an invitation to be the keynote speaker at a Nov. 19 Democratic fundraiser before the Iowa Caucuses, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

"I've done two trips already at the request of the ... president's re-election campaign. They've asked me to be a surrogate. I'll do it. [But] I'm not interested [in running for president]. I love this job. I love the people of the city of Chicago. I love working on behalf of the taxpayers. Not interested."

Emanuel, who was a fundraiser and top adviser for former President Bill Clinton, worked as President Barack Obama's chief of staff until he resigned to run for mayor of Chicago.

"The president and his campaign asked me to speak on his behalf as a surrogate, as I've done before," the mayor said, quelling any rumors that he is interested in the Oval Office.