Emanuel resigns from House

Emanuel wrote a letter of resignation to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, as well as taped an automated phone call to let his constituents know he would be stepping down effective Friday.

President-elect Obama tapped Emanuel to be his chief of staff.

There are more than a dozen contenders to fill Emanuel's vacated 5th District congressional seat. Emanuel's replacement will be chosen during a special election.

A date for that election has yet to be determined.