The New Republic

Since losing to Obama in November, Senator John McCain has conspicuously focused attention on his home state of Arizona, where he plans to run for his fifth term in 2010. The Arizona Republic recently reported that, in the few months since the presidential election, McCain has taken renewed interest in meeting with elected officials and getting up to speed on local issues. READ MORE >>

Disturbing but unsurprising news on the immigration front: A report released yesterday by the Migration Policy Institute and covered in the New York Times shows that a high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement program meant to target dangerous fugitive immigrants ensnared mostly those with no criminal record. READ MORE >>

Michael Chertoff needs an office. When I interviewed the secretary of Homeland Security this summer, we met in a pair of temporary locations between which he shuttles--first in the decaying Nebraska Avenue Complex of the naval station at Ward Circle (a center for signal analysis during World War II) and later in an unmarked and unfurnished office in the nondescript headquarters of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Ronald Reagan building, near the White House. READ MORE >>

Environmentalists should be pretty excited about having Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security—and not because, as Ed Rendell so awkwardly noted, she's single and will have more time to spend on the job. As the governor of Arizona, Napolitano has been forced to consider the impacts that immigration—and attempts to stop immigration—are having on wildlife in the border region. And she's had the sort of firsthand border experience that READ MORE >>

In the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama first distinguished himself in the area of foreign policy; criticizing an atrophied approach to international affairs in both parties, he promised a new approach to diplomacy and national security. As the country waits impatiently for inauguration day, his appointments in those areas indicate that change is indeed on the agenda: In a major adjustment for the realms of foreign policy and national security, his new approach will be led by women. READ MORE >>

At a press conference today, President-elect Obama announced the members of his national security team. Among them was Arizona governor Janet Napolitano, Obama's nominee for Director of Homeland Security. When news of her possible nomination first leaked a few weeks ago, TNR's Seyward Darby explained why Arizona Democrats aren't thrilled with the choice: READ MORE >>

CNN is reporting that Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, who has been on shortlists for several Cabinet spots, is Obama's pick to head the Department of Homeland Security. If vetting goes well, sources say Napolitano will accept the post.  READ MORE >>

A battered yellow school bus rumbles up a bumpy dirt road on the outskirts of Sasabe, a small Mexican town just over the border from Arizona. At the top of the hill, the bus winds around brick and mud huts. Ragged children stand in the doorways, and emaciated dogs forage for scraps. The bus passes dented pickups and old cars without wheels and stops in a dusty clearing, where it disgorges about 40 teenagers dressed in blue jeans and carrying small knapsacks. One boy’s t-shirt features a picture of Che Guevara. A girl’s pale blue top says ADORABLE in sequined letters. READ MORE >>

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