Nov. 4, 2008. Election day at Hyatt Hotel on East Wacker Drive in Chicago. Obama Finance Chair Penny Pritzker and David Jacobson, deputy finance chair were making sure their top donors were taken care of during the election day festivities.
(photo by Lynn Sweet)

WASHINGTON--Chicago attorney David Jacobson, who was the Obama presidential campaign deputy finance chair-- is in play to be named ambassador to Canada.

Jacobson is already at the White House. He is a special assistant to the president in the Office of Presidential Personnel. His focus is on filling slots on executive branch boards and commissions.

Before heading to Washington, Jacobson, 57, who grew up in north suburban Highland Park, was a partner at the Chicago office of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. He specialized in securities and complex litigation.

Canada is the U.S. largest trading partner and supplier of energy.

The idea that an Obama pal is going to Ottawa demonstrates the importance of the relationship with Canada for the Obama White House. If indeed Jacobson is nominated, this would follow in a tradition--long-standing-- of having someone in Ottawa who has the President's ear.

Like the Canadian embassy in Washington--on a premier spot close to the Capitol--the only embassy on Pennsylvania Avenue--the U.S. embassy in Ottawa is in a prime spot--a stone's throw from Parliament Hill.