Janet Napolitano: A border-law enforcer in D.C.?

As governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano last year signed into law the nation’s harshest penalty for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, a measure that would take away their business licenses for a second violation. She called it the ‘business death penalty’ and the ‘most aggressive action in the country’ to stem the flow of illegal workers. She also criticized Congress and the federal government for failing to act on immigration overhaul. ‘The states will take the lead, and Arizona will take the lead among the states,’ she said. Now, Napolitano may have a chance to lead the federal effort to enforce immigration laws if, as expected, she is nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to head the Department of Homeland Security.