McCain Congratulates Napolitano for DHS Nod

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) praised former election rival President-elect Barack Obama’s reported pick for Secretary of Homeland Security, congratulating Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) for the selection.

“Governor Napolitano’s experience as the former U.S. Attorney for Arizona, Arizona’s Attorney General, and as Governor warrants her rapid confirmation by the Senate and I hope she is quickly confirmed,” McCain said in a statement.

Napolitano had been rumored as a potential challenger to McCain in 2010, when the Arizona Republican is expected to seek reelection. A stint as Secretary of Homeland Security would presumably keep Napolitano, who polled well in initial tests against McCain, out of the race.

Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl (R) next comes up for reelection in 2012.

–Michael O’Brien