Biden To Lead White House Contingent At Emanuel's Inauguration
CHICAGO (CBS) – The White House will be well represented during Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel's inauguration on Monday, though President Obama, Emanuel's ex-boss, won't be in attendance.
As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports, the growing list of Washington dignitaries includes Vice President Joe Biden.
Biden not only worked with Emanuel in the White House but was also a Democratic leader in the Senate while Emanuel, then a congressman, was cracking the whip in the U.S. House.
Also coming: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, who toiled across the aisle from Emanuel in the House. Their mutual respect led to the Illinois Republican being asked to join the Democratic President's cabinet. Emanuel was Obama's first chief of staff.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, another attendee, worked closely with Emanuel in the White House during the first months of the Obama Administration when they were trying to avoid a Wall Street meltdown.
Rounding out the list is Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, former head of Chicago Public Schools, reportedly is trying to clear his schedule to be with Emanuel Monday.
The City's 50 Aldermen also will be sworn in -- 12 of them for the first time. The Clerk and Treasurer may say just a few words, but the centerpiece will be Emanuel's inaugural address.
President Barack Obama has scheduled a trip to Memphis, Tenn., on Monday to deliver a high school commencement address, the Associated Press reports.
He reportedly did not want to upstage Emanuel at the Chicago swearing-in. The two talk regularly.
Contributing: CBS 2 Political Producer Ed Marshall
