Rouse Settles into New White House Role

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) knows the new White House chief of staff well.

Pete Rouse served in a similar role under Durbin as chief of staff when he was in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1980's. Durbin calls him intelligent, more low profile than Rahm Emanuel, and "extremely talented."

"He is not the kind of person you are going to like as a newsman," said Durbin. "He just wants to go to work and do his job."

The Democrat Durbin said whether or not Rouse can advance the Obama Administration's agenda in the coming months depends on many factors, including the opposite party.

"The reality is there are likely to be fewer Democrats in Congress after this election," he said. "That's what happens in every off year election, and it means the President will have to carefully choose his agenda."

Durbin said Rouse as Chief of Staff will need a period of adjustment.

Emanuel left the post to run for Chicago Mayor. As Emanuel tries to garner support for a possible run, Durbin said he has no plans to endorse a candidate in what could be a crowded primary.

(Photo courtesy of the White House)