Rahm Likely to Announce Friday Departure

Officials expect CoS to leave post to explore mayoral run this week.

See what the Chicago press is saying here and here.

Rouse seen by some as interim CoS.

And/But: Politico runs the rule over the permanent candidates.

Developing...

HALPERIN'S TAKE: The focus will be on Rahm (and the fact that he can raise likely 5 times what anyone else takes in for the race), but keep your eye on the ball: at this critical time, does the White House (a/k/a: the President) handle the transition to its advantage -- rather than the alternative.  It's not just WHO Obama picks, but how the choice is unveiled.