Emanuel to resign congressional seat Friday

U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, who's accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be the new White House chief of staff, plans to resign his congressional seat on Friday.

Emanuel delivered the news Monday in an automated call that 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. Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for your confidence," Emanuel said in the call.

Once Emanuel formally submits his resignation, Gov. Rod Blagojevich will have five days to set the date for a special election. The election must take place within 115 days.

Emanuel, who won a fourth term in Congress in November, has been swept up in the controversy surrounding Blagojevich's Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges that accuse the governor of trying to put Obama's former Senate seat up for sale.

Federal prosecutors have said Obama isn't accused of any wrongdoing, and Obama released a report on his internal investigation of the situation that was researched and written by his incoming White House lawyer, Greg Craig.

Craig noted that Emanuel was the only Obama transition team member who discussed the Senate appointment with Blagojevich, but he said those conversations were "totally appropriate and acceptable."

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 38th Ward Alderman Thomas Allen, 47th Ward Alderman Gene Schulter, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, and state Reps. John Fritchey and Nancy Kaszak.