Obama's cabinet picks shake up NY, AZ politics
Under Arizona state law, the ascension of Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano to Homeland Security Secretary will mean Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer will assume the reins there. In New York, Clinton's planned departure means Gov. David Paterson will have a month or more to choose a successor for her.
Rep. Nita Lowey, one of the more prominent potential Clinton replacements, told The Associated Press on that she will remain in the House and not take Clinton's job.
The 71-year-old Lowey said she isn't interested in giving up her hard-earned seniority on the House Appropriations Committee a position which happens to give her a great deal of say over the budget of the State Department which Clinton may soon lead.
"Even though it's a great honor to be considered, for me, it makes more sense and I can accomplish more for my district, the state, and the country, if I stay in the House of Representatives," Lowey said in a phone interview with The AP.
Lowey had been expected to seek the Senate seat back in 2000, but stepped aside for Clinton, then the first lady.
In New York, the next senator is almost certain to be a Democrat, and adopt many positions similar to Clinton. That is unlikely to be the case in Arizona.
Brewer, 64, is a veteran Republican officeholder, with more than two decades as a legislator, a Maricopa County supervisor and secretary of state. Arizona does not have a lieutenant general.
Brewer had a reputation as a fiscal hard-liner and conservative on social issues while a legislator in the 1980s and 1990s, so her taking over the governorship would mean a new approach from Napolitano's direction. A spokesman for Brewer's office didn't immediately return a call for comment after President-elect Barack Obama's official announcement.
The jockeying to replace Clinton in the Senate began well before the announcement; Gov. Paterson's decision not to make a decision on a successor until January likely means a frenetic holiday season for New York politicians.
"You can ask me this question a million times, I'm not getting into who the candidates are, what do I think of them," the governor said.
Recent comments
Wow! President-elect Obama has really picked a great one with Gov....
Arizona native | Dec. 1, 2008 at 5:07 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Fed under fire, public anger mounts 11:28 a.m.
- No quagga mussels at Bear Lake 11:27 a.m.
- Former health chief: Ignore guideline 11:11 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
194 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
166 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
116 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...
The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...
We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...
This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...
I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...
I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...
I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...
Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...
of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...
Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...

