WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., Thursday said he wanted to be President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff so he could "help deliver the change America needs."

"I am pleased to announce that my good friend, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, has agreed to serve as my White House chief of staff," Obama said in a statement. "I announce this appointment first because the chief of staff is central to the ability of a president and administration to accomplish an agenda."


Obama said he recognized Emanuel's acceptance would require him to spend time away from his family, which Emanuel had said was a consideration when Obama offered the post to him.

"I know what a privilege it is to serve in the White House, and am humbled by the responsibility we owe the American people," Emanuel said in a statement. "I'm leaving a job I love to join your White House for one simple reason -- like the record amount of voters who cast their ballot over the last month, I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs."

"Now is a time for unity," Emanuel said, "and Mr. President-elect, I will do everything in my power to help you stitch together the frayed fabric of our politics, and help summon Americans of both parties to unite in common purpose."

Emanuel, 48, was an adviser in former President Bill Clinton's administration and a close political ally of both Hillary Clinton and Obama.

Elected in 2002, Emanuel is the Democratic Caucus Chair, the fourth-highest ranking member of the House Democratic leadership.