UPDATE: Rahm says he talked to the president about his predicament.
President Barack Obama top political adviser Valerie Jarrett said Tuesday that the president thinks Rahm Emanuel belongs back on the ballot.
“I think that [Obama] believes that [Emanuel] is eligible, and that he believes that Rahm will pursue his appeal in the courts,” Jarrett, a senior adviser to Obama and fellow Chicagoan said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The former chief-of-staff was bounced from the Chicago mayoral ballot Monday in a surprise decision by the Illinois Appellate Court. At a morning event, Emanuel said he already has spoken with the president. "I'm discreet about conversations," he said."It was a very good conversation. Jarrett said she doesn't think they'll be able to keep Emanuel down for long.
“You know Rahm, he’s going to appeal vigorously,” Jarrett said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And I’m sure that you’ll see that happen right away.
In fact it happened almost immediately. Lawyers for Emanuel filed an emergency petition to the Illinois Supreme Court Monday evening. Now the Supreme Court will have to accept the case.
Meanwhile, Rahm is moving ahead as if he were still a candidate. Monday night he greeted voters at Waveland Bowl. He's out campaigning today and is expected to participate in a WGN debate this week.