Chicago-based attorney Valerie Jarrett will not be taking friend Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Not according to two anonymous Democratic sources, at least, who shot down yesterday’s rumors that President-elect Obama had been rooting for Jarrett to move into the Senate.

From CNN: "Two Democratic sources close to President-elect Barack Obama tell CNN that top adviser Valerie Jarrett will not be appointed to replace him in the U.S. Senate. ‘While [Obama] thinks she would be a good senator, he wants her in the White House,’ one top Obama advisor told CNN Monday.

…

Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the incoming White House chief of staff, praised her as a ‘valuable ally.’"

What role Jarrett would - or, rather, could - play in the White House remains to be seen. Insiders are suggesting the 51-year old, who currently heading Obama’s transition team, may be considered for a Cabinet position, perhaps as head of the Secretary of Transportation or Housing.