Media and Dems Predict Impending Darkness on the Horizon

Espresso Pundit has a great aricle about the fears that have arisen from having Republicans at the helm of the legislature and the Governor's office. The imagery of the impending hoarde of Mordor coming to take back the bastion of hope and tranqulity that has been ruled by Napolitano seems to fit well with their ccontant warnings of what may come.

The doom and gloom coverage continues in the Republic with "Uneasiness grows over how Brewer might cut budget." What is interesting is that according the media, the budget shortfall and the problems that have come along with it are now a reality, but they have never truly placed blame for the problem in the first place. Several months ago, everyone expressed their concerns about the budget, but very few in the media have placed the blame squarely on Napolitano.

Now, the budget problems have come home to roost, and Jan Brewer may end up being the bad guy by making the cuts that are needed to balance the budget. In some ways, if Napolitano decides to leave, she will have gotten off relatively light compared to the systemic problems that are currently found in her budget.

Getting to know Jan Brewer

The Arizona Republic gives a little insight into the life and politics of Secretary of State Jan Brewer. They give a little bit of the personal touch along with some background on her history. Since a lot of people around Arizona are probably not as familiar with Brewer, this is likely the first insight into the would-be Governor. On the other hand, The Tucson Citizen and Daily Star want you to know that they have concerns.

There is also speculation as to the future of the "Janet Cams" under the potential Brewer Administration after a Redflex employee dismissed an inquiry from the Secretary of State earlier this year via post-it note.

How long would Napolitano stay?

Although Governor Napolitano continues to get the star treatment and the long good-byes, its not clear how soon she might actually step out the door, if she decides to leave. There are still some factors at play, including the fact that she still has not been formally announced. However, the large majority of the media and many around Arizona seem to be resigned to the fact that Napolitano is leaving.

In the face of the current Arizona budget crisis, some belive that the time cannot come quick enough for her to leave. However, there are others who belive that she will stay until she is actually confirmed. This would put a damper on Republican's hopes of having a more friendly Republican Governor to deal with during the budget talks.

The question is: how long can she stick around before people start thinking that she has worn out her welcome? It is true that she is a popular Governor, but people tend to want breakups to be quick, not something that is allowed to fester over time. If its announced that she is leaving, how long can she govern as a "lame duck" when its clear that someone is around the corner to take her place?

It makes sense that she would like to clean up the budget mess before she leaves town, so she doesn't look like she is walking away from a problem. Would she still be the media darling if she looks like the one standing in the way?

Leaving on a positive note

Even noted Napolitano critic Representative Russell Pearce is saying nice things about the Governor as she gets tapped for the Homeland Security Job. Although Napolitano also came to Pearce's defence during the Primary Election, don't expect these two to be sharing an ice cream sundae anytime soon. Pearce couldn't help but give a backhanded compliment:

"I think she's a good person to have in that office," he said Thursday afternoon. "But I say that recognizing that this is a radically left-leaning administration."

The kinds words will continue to flow from friends and critics alike as Napolitano ponders her future. The Tribune has already put together a slideshow celebrating Napolitano through the years. You can almost hear "Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday" playing in the background as you click through.

Howie Fischer must be exhausted

Republicans aren't the only ones jumping for joy at the idea of Governor Napolitano leaving to take a job in Washington. Capitol Media Services' Howie Fischer has already started making a cottage industry about writing about the transition:

Brewer known as tight-fisted, partisan

Napolitano often critical of Homeland Security

Republican lawmakers aim to work on budget

Three stories since the news broke yesterday. His keyboard must be smoldering. Expect the news to continue to flow through an official announcement from Napolitano and the ensuing transition that would have to be made by Team Brewer. What is typically a slow month for Capitol reporters may have just become a whole lot busier.

Changes in influence?

Politicker has a couple of interesting articles covering the potential switch in Governorship:

Brewer will be the 5th Secretary of State to become Governor

McCain congratulates Napolitano on possible DHS offer

Speaking of Politicker, it will be interesting to see if they change their influence list. As we pointed out, there were 5 out of the top 10 who were Napolitano insiders. At the time, we said:

"It will be interesting to see if the top of this list changes after the November election. If the Governor is successful in her initiatives and her handpicked candidates win, you'd expect to see even more on the list. If Obama wins and she makes tracks for DC, you have to wonder if their influence will diminish."

Clearly, the Governor was not successful in her initiatives and her handpicked candidates did not win. It looks now like she is going to make tracks to take a spot in Obama's cabinet. What does that do of the influence of the people who were on her staff? What about the lobbyists on the list who used the Governor to get a leg up? As the Napolitano train leaves town, what becomes of their influence? Also, who's influence will increase with the ascension of Jan Brewer?

Governor Brewer?

The notion of Governor Jan Brewer has the local Democrats lamenting. Here is the initial fall-out from the news that Napolitano may be leaving:

Random Musings: I *really* hope that CNN is wrong on this one..

Man Eegee: This makes me physically ill.

Daniel's News and Views: Napolitano should say 'no, thanks' on DHS Secretary

RRR: Gack…Governor Brewer?

It's Official....sort of

Well, as we've been saying for a while now- Janet Napolitano will be cutting her stay in Arizona short in exchange for a chance to serve in the historic Obama administration.

CNN first broke the story that Janet will be named the new Secretary of Homeland Security. Her office and people are still being quiet about it but I'm sure we'll get full confirmation and all the juicy details shortly.

Janet's Choice: Will she settle for a showdown in 2010?

It looks like Holder has been tapped for AG. Some believe that he is being floated out to take the heat as the first Obama appointee paving an easier way for the others. However, the much more likely scenario is that the transition team has secured his place and the job is his.

Two former Clinton guys does not a change make, add Hillary Clinton to the mix as Secretary of State, and there may be some concern among his changelings. Napolitano and Richardson may help deflect some of these concerns.

However, the choice may have gotten more difficult for Janet. If she is willing to stay here and receive the concilitary note and JLBC report from Speaker-Elect Burns, she would be primed to take on McCain for the Senate Seat in 2010. We would certainly expect a lot of help from the Obama camp in that race, taking on his former opponent. If Janet can show she can also take on and beat the Republican Presidential Candidate in his own state, it may help her national cred.