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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Republican Becomes Ariz. Governor

Party control shifts as Napolitano joins Obama Cabinet

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(Newser) – Moments after the Senate confirmed her as homeland security secretary yesterday afternoon, Janet Napolitano resigned as governor of Arizona. But because Arizona is one of the few states without a lieutenant governor, the office passes to the secretary of state—Jan Brewer, a Republican. In a twist, reports the Daily Star, Brewer would never have ascended to the top job if fellow Arizonan John McCain had won the presidency.

Brewer's rise to the top job transforms the politics of the state. Napolitano captured 63% of the vote in the 2006 election, but Brewer has made it clear that she will follow a more conservative path than her Democratic predecessor, including substantial budget cuts. Brewer will be inaugurated today in Phoenix, although she officially became governor yesterday.

Janet Napolitano testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on her nomination.
Janet Napolitano testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on her nomination.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Jan Brewer, formerly the secretary of state of Arizona, has been appointed governor, filling the seat vacated by Janet Napolitano who will serve as secretary of homeland security.
Jan Brewer, formerly the secretary of state of Arizona, has been appointed governor, filling the seat vacated by Janet Napolitano who will serve as secretary of homeland security.   (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Jan Brewer, formerly the secretary of state of Arizona, has been appointed governor, filling the seat vacated by Janet Napolitano who will serve as secretary of homeland security.
Jan Brewer, formerly the secretary of state of Arizona, has been appointed governor, filling the seat vacated by Janet Napolitano who will serve as secretary of homeland security.   (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano smiles during a luncheon for the political action committee Emily's List Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 in Washington.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano smiles during a luncheon for the political action committee Emily's List Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Barack Obama • Ken Salazar • Tom Vilsack • Kathleen Sebelius • Janet Napolitano • Obama administration • Obama Cabinet • Election 2010

Arizona May Not Roll for McCain

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Transition means big changes at the top
Associated Press

More on the orderly transfer of power
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Brewer has her work cut out for her
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Arizona • Janet Napolitano • Obama Cabinet • transfer of power • Jan Brewer

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