The Hill-A Teary Rahm Emanuel Says Goodbye

Outgoing White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel bids a tearful farewell on Friday 1 Oct 2010: Getty Images

(Story reported by Sam Youngman for The Hill)

An emotional Rahm Emanuel said goodbye Friday to the White House and President Obama, announcing his intention to explore a mayoral bid in Chicago.

Emanuel, choking up as he said farewell, received a grand send-off from Obama in the White House East Room where White House staff applauded Emanuel profusely.

"He has been a great friend of mine and will continue to be a great friend of mine," Obama said. "I will miss him dearly."

Obama announced that senior adviser and longtime aide Pete Rouse will succeed Emanuel as acting chief of staff.

"There is a saying around the White House: 'Let's let Pete fix it,'" Obama joked. "And he does."

Obama praised Rouse, who was "affectionately known as the 101st senator" during his time as chief of staff to Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

(Click here to read the full story on The Hill's website.)