President-elect Barack Obama's decision to name Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff means that Emanuel's role as House Democratic Caucus Chair is now vacant.

It could mean that Van Hollen will make a play for the role, the number four job in the House. Before Emanuel became caucus chair he held Van Hollen's current job of Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman.

It would make logical sense for Van Hollen to make the jump. First, Van Hollen could stay on as DCCC chair, of course, but traditionally the same party of the sitting president do poorly in off-year elections that could tarnish his record. Second, the political environment in Maryland doesn't offer an ambitious politician like Van Hollen any places to move up the political ladder.  Democratic Gov. Martin O' Malley is likely to seek re-election in 2010 and both U.S. Senate spots are occupied by Democrats who have not signaled retirement anytime soon.