It appears Rahm will be leaving sooner rather than later: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/22/emanuel.departing.wh/index.html?hpt=T1 Say what you want about running for Mayor or saving one's tenure, such high profile advisors (4 now) leaving within such a short time before the 2 yr mark of this administration does not instill confidence in the current admin with the public. People will read this as rats abandoning ship before it gets worse.
Rahm is a capable guy but he is stuck in a failed administration. I would flee too, especially if I could become the Patronage King of Chicago. He should be good at that.