Obama chief of staff Emanuel steps down

Rahm Emanuel, US President Barack Obama's high-profile chief of staff who helped push through major healthcare and financial regulatory reforms, stepped down on Friday to pursue a run for Chicago mayor.

Obama praised Emanuel at a farewell ceremony at the White House. "It is fair to say we could not have accomplished what we accomplished without Rahm's leadership," he said. Pete Rouse, a long-time Obama adviser who helped orchestrate his presidential campaign, will step into the position temporarily. (Reuters)