Obama makes first administrative appointment
Barack Obama appoints Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff
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Wednesday, 05, Nov 2008 07:17
Unites States president-elect Barack Obama has made the first appointment of his fledgling administration, selecting Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff.
Emanuel is a member of the House of Representatives for Illinois - Obama's home state - and has been a close friend of the Democratic candidate for several years.
He was first elected to the House in 2003, representing Illinois' fifth congressional district, which covers parts of suburban Cook County and the majority of the north side of Chicago.
The 48-year-old was chair of the Democrat congressional campaign committee for the 2006 elections and made his name as a proficient fundraiser.
He is currently the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House, behind Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House leader Steny Hoyer and whip Jim Clyburn.
The appointment of Emanuel fills one of the key positions in Obama's administration, which will assume office from incumbent George W Bush on January 20th 2009.
Emanuel is known as a liberal socialist with a record of voting in favour of abortion and a strong stance on improving healthcare for poorer Americans.
His policies and political views are considered to be slightly to the left of Obama, but his main role will be as a peacemaker within the cabinet.