Washington (CNN) -- Veteran Illinois politician Rahm Emanuel -- long known as one of toughest men in American politics -- has stepped down from his powerful position as White House chief of staff, President Barack Obama officially announced Friday.
Emanuel has been temporarily replaced by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Pete Rouse while Obama searches for a long-term replacement.
Emanuel, who held a Chicago congressional seat for six years, is widely expected to run for mayor of his hometown.
The move has been anticipated since Chicago Mayor Richard Daley recently decided not to run for re-election.
Chicago "is the greatest city in the greatest country in the world," Emanuel said. I am "eager to see what I can do ... to make (it) even greater".
Obama, addressing a crowd of White House staffers, heaped praise on both Emanuel and Rouse.
CNN
