U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, headed to the White house as President-elect Barack Obama's new chief of staff, will resign his congressional seat on Friday.
He delivered the news in an automated telephone call Monday to constituents.
Emanuel was elected to Congress in 2002, replacing Rod Blagojevich in the 5th District, which covers parts of Chicago and its suburbs.
Emanuel also served as President Clinton's political adviser, and was credited with helping Democrats regain control of the U.S. House in 2006, when he headed the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He raised huge amounts of money, recruited candidates and decided where to devote the party's time and money.
When Emanuel formally submits his resignation, Blagojevich will have five days to schedule a special election to take place within 115 days.
[Read: <a href="http://" target="_blank">Emanuel's resignation letter to Blagojevich (.pdf)]
Lucio Guerrero, the governor's spokesman, said he did not yet know when the governor intended to set the election.
State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie -- a member of the House committee considering whether to recommend impeaching Blagojevich -- said he is "just hoping the governor follows the law to the letter."
"I think we'd prefer that he'd not do anything, but this not as open-ended as appointing a senator," Lang said. "We need to make sure we have a congressman in place."
Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges, which include accusations the governor tried to sell the appointment to Obama's former Senate seat.
Neither Obama nor any staff member has been accused of wrongdoing. Emanuel has refused to discuss the matter publicly.
Several clout-heavy Chicago politicians have already expressed interest in replacing the 49-year-old Democrat in Congress. Possible candidates who've been mentioned include Chicago Aldermen Thomas Allen and Gene Schulter, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and state Reps. John Fritchey and Nancy Kaszak.
In his call Monday, Emanuel urged constituents to continue calling his congressional office with any concerns until his replacement is chosen.
"I also want you to know, it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your representative for the last six years," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for your confidence."
Several clout-heavy Chicago politicians have already expressed interest in replacing the 49-year-old Democrat in Congress. Possible candidates who've been mentioned include Chicago Aldermen Thomas Allen and Gene Schulter, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and state Reps. John Fritchey and Nancy Kaszak. In his call Monday, Emanuel urged constituents to continue calling his congressional office with any concerns until his replacement is chosen. "I also want you to know, it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your representative for the last six years," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for your confidence."
