A Democratic congressman has reportedly been approached by US presidential hopeful Barack Obama to be his chief-of-staff.

Rahm Emanuel was named by Democratic sources as a contender for the job.

The Illinois congressman is considered a highly partisan politician who served in Bill Clinton’s White House.

The BBC’s Justin Webb says the McCain campaign say this is an example of the real face of an Obama administration – governed from the left.

Mr Obama refused to be drawn on reports he had approached Mr Emanuel about becoming his chief-of-staff.