UPDATE: Barack Obama's campaign - er, I mean, his transition team, sorry, habit - released a statement this afternoon, confirming Rahm Emanuel's acceptance.

"I announce this appointment first because the Chief of Staff is central to the ability of a president and administration to accomplish an agenda. And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel," Obama said.
"His decision to accept this position is a wonderful reflection of that commitment, for it is not easy to give up the significant position he holds today as chair of the House Democratic conference. ... I appreciate his friendship. And I, and all Americans, should be grateful that Rahm is once again answering his country's call."
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), has accepted the post of White House chief of staff in Barack Obama's administration,
Politico is reporting this afternoon, citing Democratic officials.
AP also confirmed the story, adding that Democratic officials who disclosed Obama's acceptance did so on the condition of anonymity to avoid angering Obama's team. There apparently was no official plan to annouce Emanuel's acceptance today. Oops. Find the leakers!
Emanuel's deputies will include Pete Rouse, currently Obama's Senate chief of staff, Politico reported, adding that Rouse is known among Democrats as "the keeper of the list" - who will get what.
Emanuel told Chicago's WLS-TV yesterday that he was honored to be considered but needed to think about it:
"I have a lot to weigh: the basis of public service, which I've given my life to, a career choice. And most importantly, what I want to do as a parent. ...And I know something about the White House. That, I assume, is one of the reasons that President-elect Obama would like me to serve. But I also know something about what it means to a family."House Minority Whip Rahm Emanuel, R-Ohio, issued a statement soon after, assailing the pick of Emanuel.
"This is an ironic choice for a President-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center," Boehner said.
The decision is to be announced Friday in Chicago, when Obama holds his first news conference as president-elect, after a meeting with his economic advisers. Obama and his family are expected to relax at home for the weekend, then come to Washington to visit the White House, at the invitation of President Bush and first lady Laura Bush.
"Michelle and I look forward to meeting with President Bush and the First Lady on Monday to begin the process of a smooth, effective transition," Obama said in a statement today. "I thank him for reaching out in the spirit of bipartisanship that will be required to meet the many challenges we face as a nation."
Emanuel, who was previously a policy aide in the Clinton White House, will have to give up his House seat and his position in the Democratic leadership.
AP notes that several Obama aides said other White House officials were being lined up, including Robert Gibbs - Obama's campaign spokesman - as the likely pick for press secretary.