Emanuel pick gets mixed reaction

(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama's first major appointment received mixed reaction from Democrats and Republicans.

Rahm Emanuel's appointment got mixed reaction from Republican and Democratic leaders.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel on Thursday accepted Obama's offer to be White House chief of staff.
The Office of the Chief of Staff oversees and coordinates activities and communication among various departments of the administration. It is considered one of the top positions in Washington.
Some party leaders hailed Obama's pick, but others expressed concern that Emanuel would widen Washington's partisan divide.
Jim Manley, the senior communications adviser for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said Emanuel is "an excellent choice."
"Rahm knows the Hill, and he knows the White House. He is a brilliant strategic thinker and someone who knows how to get things done."
Manley said allegations that Emanuel is a true partisan are "ridiculous."