Chief Of Staff : Rahm Emanuel

OpenSecrets reports that Emanuel was the "was the top House recipient in the 2008 election cycle of contributions from hedge funds, private equity firms and the larger securities/investment industry--not the most popular of industries in the current economy."

Obama Has Called For Heavier Regulation Of Investment Banks. "Mr. Obama set out his general approach to financial regulation in March, calling for regulating investment banks, mortgage brokers and hedge funds much as commercial banks are." (Jackie Calmes, "In Candidates, 2 Approaches To Wall Street," The New York Times, 9/16/08)

Obama Has Blamed The Sub-Prime Lending Crisis For The Housing Market Collapse. Obama: "The sub-prime lending debacle has sent the housing market into a tailspin, and caused a broader contraction in the credit markets." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Flint, MI, 6/16/08)

But Emanuel Served On The Board Of Mortgage Giant Freddie Mac As It Expanded Subprime Lending:

Former President Clinton Appointed Emanuel To The Board Of Freddie Mac Where He Earned $231,655 In Director's Fees In 2001 And $31,060 In 2000. "Clinton's going-away gift to Emanuel was a seat on the quasi-governmental Freddie Mac board, which paid him $231,655 in director's fees in 2001 and $31,060 in 2000." (Lynn Sweet, "Too Much Money A Bad Thing?" Chicago Sun-Times, 1/3/02)