It appears that Obama's push for Holder as Attorney General is gaining steam. Since we saw the report from MSNBC earlier today, the story has been picked up by several other news outlets:
Yahoo: Holder accepts Obama Justice offer: senior Democrat
NBC: Holder tagged for attorney general
CNN: Obama chooses Eric Holder to be Attorney General
Fox News: Eric Holder Being Vetted as Obama Attorney General
Now, the question is, can Holder withstand the Senate confirmation and his part in pardoning millionaire fugitive Marc Rich? They are likely letting this leak now so that there is time to vette the story through the media and allow his part in that scandal to be softened by the media's kind treatment of Obama and the inspirational story of the first African American Attorney General.
Where does this leave Napolitano? Its likely that she was aware of the pick, and her reaction over the next day or so will likely tell us if they have a different spot in mind for her within the Cabinet.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Janet's Choice: Are options cooling off?
Espresso Pundit suggests that the SNL treatment of Governor Napolitano combined with her reputation of not being a team player will hurt her chances of being appointed to Obama's cabinet.
Newsweek/MSNBC is also reporting that Eric Holder has the inside track for Attorney General in a story that fails to even mention Napolitano. Though she is still being bandied about as a name for Homeland Security.
However, here at home, Napolitano continues to foster change by appointing the 1st Hispanic for the top post in the Arizona National Guard and was able to receive some kudos for taking the time to engage the state budget problem.
It feels like a collective breath is being held across the state to see what will happen next.
Newsweek/MSNBC is also reporting that Eric Holder has the inside track for Attorney General in a story that fails to even mention Napolitano. Though she is still being bandied about as a name for Homeland Security.
However, here at home, Napolitano continues to foster change by appointing the 1st Hispanic for the top post in the Arizona National Guard and was able to receive some kudos for taking the time to engage the state budget problem.
It feels like a collective breath is being held across the state to see what will happen next.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Governor about to take some tough scrutiny
Napolitano is between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the reauthorization of ADEQ. She went out on a limb last year with efforts to increase emission standards and taking part in the Western Climate initiative. Now, ADEQ faces sunset at the legislature and they are taking their pound of flesh for her circumventing them last year.
Also, the Governor has offered up her suggestions to fix the budget gap including selling lottery revenue and pushing off agency expenses. It is reported that the spending suspensions could save up to $300 million, however, it does not appear that Napolitano has offered up any actual cuts. She is also banking on $50 million in revenue from the speed cameras, which comes out to the issuing of at least 277,777 speeding tickets (not including the cost Arizona is paying to the operators).
Combined with the impression of some that Napolitano is preparing her departure, it is likely that the scrutiny will only increase over the next few weeks.
Also, the Governor has offered up her suggestions to fix the budget gap including selling lottery revenue and pushing off agency expenses. It is reported that the spending suspensions could save up to $300 million, however, it does not appear that Napolitano has offered up any actual cuts. She is also banking on $50 million in revenue from the speed cameras, which comes out to the issuing of at least 277,777 speeding tickets (not including the cost Arizona is paying to the operators).
Combined with the impression of some that Napolitano is preparing her departure, it is likely that the scrutiny will only increase over the next few weeks.
Live from New York...
Governor Janet Napolitano has made it big - still no news about the Obama cabinet - but she was parodied on Saturday Night Live. Kristen Wiig came out during host Paul Rudd's monologue wearing a pantsuit and a wig with a gray patch. Rudd tried to convince the audience that the new parodies would be just as good as Fey's Palin impression.
We are still trying to find the video online for your own judgement, but Wiig has a good starting point on her Napolitano (ETA, you can see the video here). Napolitano should be flattered, at least she isn't being played by Will Ferrell like former Attorney General Janet Reno.
We are still trying to find the video online for your own judgement, but Wiig has a good starting point on her Napolitano (ETA, you can see the video here). Napolitano should be flattered, at least she isn't being played by Will Ferrell like former Attorney General Janet Reno.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Musical Chairs - Goddard as Governor?
Sonoran Alliance is encouraging everyone to get familiar with Article 5, Section 6, of the Arizona Constitution so we can all follow along with the order of succession if Napolitano decides to leave. If she does decide to leave, Secretary of State Jan Brewer would become governor and she would then be able to name her replacement as Secretary of State. Though not limited to pick someone of her own party, one would assume that Brewer would appoint a Republican.
Former Congressman and radio host JD Hayworth offered up an interesting and much more convoluted scenario which would yield a very different result. You can listen for yourself by clicking on this link and then going to about the 10 minute mark.
He illustrates a scenario in which Senator John McCain would be offered a position in Obama's "postpartisan" cabinet. If McCain took it, Napolitano would then appoint a Republican to fill his seat. Napolitano could then pick Secretary of State Jan Brewer. Then Napolitano would then be free to leave to join the Obama administation elevating Attorney General Terry Goddard to Governor.
To expand on this, Goddard could then appoint whomever he wanted to AG and Secretary of State. One would assume he would elevate Democrats to both of those positions.
While highly unlikely, it is an interesting scenario. However, this would be predicated on the fact that McCain would be willing to go work for Obama (which seems doubtful) and that the Obama administration would want two high profile Arizonans on the Cabinet.
Former Congressman and radio host JD Hayworth offered up an interesting and much more convoluted scenario which would yield a very different result. You can listen for yourself by clicking on this link and then going to about the 10 minute mark.
He illustrates a scenario in which Senator John McCain would be offered a position in Obama's "postpartisan" cabinet. If McCain took it, Napolitano would then appoint a Republican to fill his seat. Napolitano could then pick Secretary of State Jan Brewer. Then Napolitano would then be free to leave to join the Obama administation elevating Attorney General Terry Goddard to Governor.
To expand on this, Goddard could then appoint whomever he wanted to AG and Secretary of State. One would assume he would elevate Democrats to both of those positions.
While highly unlikely, it is an interesting scenario. However, this would be predicated on the fact that McCain would be willing to go work for Obama (which seems doubtful) and that the Obama administration would want two high profile Arizonans on the Cabinet.
Janet's Choice: The New York Times Treatment
We launched "Janet's Choice" to follow Governor Napolitano's decision on if she will stay in Arizona and serve out her term or if she will go to Washington and join Obama's Administration. We'll continue to follow this story until an official decision is made.
Governor Napolitano has now received the New York Times treatment profiled as a "potential member of the administration." They have her listed as a candidate for both Attorney General and Homeland Security.
In addition, the article touts Napolitano's popularity in Arizona and her "nonpartisanship." In the baggage department, the article does not mention the current $1 billion deficit in the state or any of the trouble she has had trying to increase her influence in the current election. The Times calls her endorsement of Obama "crucial," bucking the Clintons in the early part of the Primary season.
As more of these profiles pop up, it lends credence to the notion that the administration is ramping up their picks and trying to tell their story prior to making formal announcements.
Governor Napolitano has now received the New York Times treatment profiled as a "potential member of the administration." They have her listed as a candidate for both Attorney General and Homeland Security.
In addition, the article touts Napolitano's popularity in Arizona and her "nonpartisanship." In the baggage department, the article does not mention the current $1 billion deficit in the state or any of the trouble she has had trying to increase her influence in the current election. The Times calls her endorsement of Obama "crucial," bucking the Clintons in the early part of the Primary season.
As more of these profiles pop up, it lends credence to the notion that the administration is ramping up their picks and trying to tell their story prior to making formal announcements.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Napolitano Going to Washington!
While that headline may appear soon announcing a permanent trip to Washington, this Janet trip will be a short one.
Napolitano is in Washington D.C this week to appear in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to ask them to approve a public works program similar to the ones put forth in the 1930's.
She'll also be asking for more Federal dollars for Medicaid programs the states use to provide free health care for the needy.
While she continues to navigate questions regarding a Cabinet Appointment, she did open up with "I'm obviously always willing to serve my state and my country." She does not have any plans to meet with President-Elect Obama while in Washington but I'm sure this trip doesn't dim the spotlight on her appointment possibilities.
Napolitano is in Washington D.C this week to appear in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to ask them to approve a public works program similar to the ones put forth in the 1930's.
She'll also be asking for more Federal dollars for Medicaid programs the states use to provide free health care for the needy.
While she continues to navigate questions regarding a Cabinet Appointment, she did open up with "I'm obviously always willing to serve my state and my country." She does not have any plans to meet with President-Elect Obama while in Washington but I'm sure this trip doesn't dim the spotlight on her appointment possibilities.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Janet's Choice: Napolitano serious contender for AG
We are launching "Janet's Choice" to follow Governor Napolitano's decision on if she will stay in Arizona and serve out her term or if she will go to Washington and join Obama's Administration. We'll continue to follow this story until an official decision is made.
According to Politico, as reported by Politicker, Napolitano's name is one that is coming up most frequently as a candidate for AG. She is also still being floated for Homeland Security and Secretary of Education. One would guess that she would jump at AG, its not clear if she would leave for the other two.
However, her decision may be a little bit easier, with the observation that conservatives did well in Arizona and Team Napolitano's efforts to bring more moderates and dems to the legislature was roundly rejected. It also may be to her and the rest of the Democrat's advantage to sit back and let the Republicans figure the shortfall out. Just like with the transportation tax initiative, she may end up winning again by losing.
According to Politico, as reported by Politicker, Napolitano's name is one that is coming up most frequently as a candidate for AG. She is also still being floated for Homeland Security and Secretary of Education. One would guess that she would jump at AG, its not clear if she would leave for the other two.
However, her decision may be a little bit easier, with the observation that conservatives did well in Arizona and Team Napolitano's efforts to bring more moderates and dems to the legislature was roundly rejected. It also may be to her and the rest of the Democrat's advantage to sit back and let the Republicans figure the shortfall out. Just like with the transportation tax initiative, she may end up winning again by losing.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Traffic Cameras inspire
On the lighter side, someone sent along this new store touting Napolitano's traffic cameras which are popping up all over Arizona. it will be hilarious if someone gets their picture taken sporting one of these. We're tempted to buy a 50 pack and send them to the legislature.
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