U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel will bring a “tough-minded” and “pragmatic” approach to the White House when he becomes President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff, according to people who know the Chicago, Illinois, native.

Emanuel, a former top aide to President Clinton, has accepted the position in the new administration, Obama confirmed in a statement Thursday.

“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. “And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.”

In the job, Emanuel would oversee the White House staff. The chief of staff is usually involved in all the major decisions that the president makes and is responsible for making sure the administration carries out the president’s wishes.

Not everyone was so thrilled with the choice.

Republican minority leader Boner, damn, sorry, that should be Boehner said of Obama’s choice, “it is ironic, this from a man that wanted to change Washington.”  Sounds like the partisanship has already started, at least from the far right of the party.  How long will he retain the leadership of the House?  If there is to be bi-partisanship I think he will be challenged.