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ABC News: Napolitano Obama's #1 pick for Homeland Sec. job

Reported by: Associated Press
Reported by: ABC15.com staff, wire reports
Last Update: 11/30/2008 11:04 am
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ABC News reports Thursday that Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has emerged as President-elect Obama's top pick to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. 
 
The job is still not a done deal, but the border-state governor is as of now poised to be the first female DHS Secretary.

The Governor's office remains silent on the speculation saying it will not confirm or deny the reports.

CNN also reported that Napolitano has been selected by President-Elect Barack Obama for the job.

When asked about a possible position on Obama's administration Wednesday, Napolitano said she's not looking for another job.

The Democratic governor has been frequently mentioned in speculation about President-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet.

Napolitano said she's "not campaigning, nor seeking a job" and that she likes the one she has.

But she declined to comment when asked whether she, like Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, would rule out joining Obama's administration because it turns over the governorship to an official with sharply differing political philosophies.

Napolitano had been mentioned in speculation as attorney general, but former Justice Department official Eric Holder reportedly is Obama's choice for that post.

Statement by Senator John McCain

(J.D. Pooley , Gety Images News)
(J.D. Pooley , Gety Images News)
Senator John McCain Wednesday commended the announcement of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as top contender for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and made the following statement:
 
On Wednesday, Senator McCain called and congratulated Governor Janet Napolitano on her emergence as top contender for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Senator McCain said, “Governor Napolitano’s experience as the former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, Arizona’s Attorney General, and as Governor warrants her rapid confirmation by the Senate and I hope she is quickly confirmed.” Senator McCain looks forward to working with her throughout the nomination process.

Statement by Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer

Secretary of State Jan Brewer issued the following statement:

"Within the past 12 hours there has been a tremendous amount of media speculation concerning Governor Napolitano's potential appointment as President Elect Obama's next Secretary of Homeland Security. At this time I have not heard from the Governor and am focusing on my job of certifying our State's voting results. Until such time that I hear from the Governor, I will have no further comment."


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