Why Arizona Dems Don't Want Napolitano at DHS

[jefferson_dem]

Why Arizona Dems Don't Want Napolitano at DHS



Arizona governor Janet Napolitano looks likely to be secretary of Homeland Security (thank you, leaky transition team). Though many are applauding her candidacy, her pending appointment is raising anxiety among Arizona Democrats. "It's a dreadful step," Democrat Phil Lopes, minority leader in the state house, told TNR today. "There is very serious potential of us backsliding on things we Democrats and the residents of the state think are important. ... I do wish that she would because with us in the minority chambers, she's the only one who can put a stop to ."

Napolitano, a widely popular Democratic governor in a red state, has two years left in Phoenix's executive office. During her tenure, Napolitano has broken the Right's iron grip on both houses of the state legislature by vetoing several Republican-backed bills. Among other things, she nixed denying in-state tuition and day care to illegal aliens and allowing law enforcement greater latitude to enforce immigration law. "Our plan with her in office is one thing, but without her in office, we would have to change the strategy totally," Lopes said, affirming that several Democratic officials have even personally lobbied Napolitano to keep her post.

"I'm horrified at the thought of Napolitano abandoning the state," Amy Silverman, managing editor of the Phoenix New-Times, told TNR today. "She has not been a perfect governor, but when it comes to the big picture--balancing out the incredibly far-right and often wing-nut state legislature--she's been a godsend."

Not only will Democrats lose Napolitano as a crucial ally--they will also have to contend with her constitutionally mandated successor, Secretary of State Jan Brewer, a rank-and-file Republican elected in 2002. "The population needs to be more careful in whom they elect secretary of state," said Democrat Marsha Arzberger, minority leader in the state senate. "I do not think she's a leader, I do not think she's prepared for the task, and I don't think she has a vision in mind." Silverman added, "She's from the same cloth--literally, she came from the legislature--as the wing of the GOP Napolitano has battled with for years."

If Napolitano leaves, the GOP will be a triple threat, controlling the governorship and both houses of the state legislature. "Just as conservatives worry that having so many Democrats in Washington could thwart real debate about the problems facing America," Silverman said, "Many in Arizona--and not just liberals--are worried today about the same thing happening with far-right Republicans here."

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http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/11/20/why-arizona-dems-don-t-want-napolitano-as-dhs.aspx

[Alexander]

1. I hope he doesn't pick Napolitano. We need her here.

[MBS]

3. yup, the only competent , non-criminal (and Dem) governor in AZ in ages.n/t

[BluegrassDem]

4. But Napolitano will be out of a job in 2010?

All the major cabinet nods will be filled by then. She'd have to settle for being some deputy cabinet member or ambassador to Mozambique. I'm sure she wants to be the a cabinet secretary and this is the only way to do it.

[Alexander]

7. Yes, however we could take both the Governor's race and McCain's Senate seat.

If Napolitano hangs on for two more years, she could win McCain's Senate seat.

In the meantime, Terry Goddard could run for governor.

If she leaves now, Jan Brewer (R-nutcase) becomes governor, gets a leg up on the competition in 2010, and passes all the right-wing crap Janet vetoed.

Cabinet officials come and go frequently in an administration - it's rare to have a Cabinet official stay on for a complete 4 or 8 years.

I'm sure DHS or another Cabinet position will be open around 2011, and I'd be happy to see Napolitano accept - after we win McCain's Senate seat and the Governor's mansion.

[Thrill]

2. Ouch sorry AZ Dems. This is a very important job. I can't see her turning down

.

[Alexander]

5. I can, if she decides she wants to stay here badly enough.

I suspect the reason nothing official has come out is because she's thinking about it.

[Thrill]

8. With her term almost up. Its not likely she is going to turn this down

[Alexander]

10. It's possible she also feels this would badly damage Arizona.

If people are personally lobbying her to stay, I imagine she has to feel somewhat conflicted about it.

[Thrill]

11. My guess is. She has known for a long time she was rumored

for a position in the administration. She would of told him not to consider her for any if she intended to stay as Governor. Just my opinion.

[Barack_America]

6. What happened to "Obama must have his reasons"?

He's clearly thought of this and, if he picks her, won't it be because he feels Washington needs her more?

:shrug:

[peoli]

9. But, Its a dry heat.