Washington — Sen. Richard Durbin tells reporters that he’d be happy to see President Obama tap Pete Rouse, currently one of Obama’s three senior advisers, as the new White House chief of staff.

“I know the president thinks the world of Pete,” Durbin says, calling Rouse a “great choice” for either interim or permanent chief of staff. “I’m afraid I’m biased because Pete is my former chief of staff,” Durbin laughs.

NRO asks: Does the White House need an outsider to come in and shake things up? Durbin says no, since the position requires a “personal relationship” with the president along with “chemistry and a certain level of trust.”

Durbin says he has offered his thoughts on the matter to the White House.