Mayor Rahm Emanuel has denied it before and he's not giving in now.
After speaking Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention on behalf of his old boss, President Barack Obama, Emanuel gave a quick "not" when asked if he's eyeing a 2016 White House run himself.
"I love this job," he told NBC Chicago. "I think it's the greatest job I've ever had in public service. I've been fortunate to serve two great presidents, but I love being mayor of the city of Chicago."
So why are people talking about Emanuel? "Sometimes in other ways than just 2016," he laughed.
Suspicions of a Rahm presidential run popped up last year when Emanuel headlined the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner on Nov. 19. Considering the coveted engagement for presidential candidates has attracted Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Al Gore, some figured Chicago's mayor might be planning bigger things.
But he strongly quashed those rumors when asked: "No, never, not interested" he said. "I love this job, I love working for the tax payers."
Besides Emanuel has plenty on his plate in Chicago, namely a fast-approaching teachers strike deadline and concerns about city violence.
He greeted back-to-school students before arriving Tuesday in Charlotte and plans to rush back Wednesday to monitor union talks.
"Both parties have been at the table consistently and we're making steady, good progress," Emanuel said.
