Looks like Obama’s former Chief of Staff has evolved faster than his former boss. Rahm Emanuel used to get all shy when it came to addressing gay marriage even conversationally. Maybe it’s a White House protocol not to mention the M-word.

Stepping up his game to match the equally-dashing Andrew Cuomo, Emanuel, now-Mayor of Chicago, hopes Illinois will follow New York and legalize gay marriage. He talked to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about the work he did to pass civil unions in the state and how he foresees a move in the direction of same-sex — here comes that word again! — marriage.

Interestingly enough, the follow up question during the CNN segment was about Emanuel’s body. The foxy mayor flashed a devilish grin as he revealed that he worked out 7 days a week! No shirtless photos are available to prove his claim, though. And trust us, we searched.