Supreme Court vacancy

Why Obama Doesn't Want To Part With Janet Napolitano

Christina Bellantoni | May 3, 2010, 1:20PM

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

It's no secret that Janet Napolitano is one of President Obama's favorite Cabinet members. But as her name continues to linger at the bottom of his Supreme Court shortlist, the fact that she's among the busiest in the administration is a signal she's unlikely to be chosen for a new job on the high court any time soon.

As Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Napolitano has her hands full handling some of the administration's biggest priorities and crises. From immigration to oil spills to airline security and domestic terror threats, Napolitano's department is tasked with major initiatives that have her traveling the country and appearing frequently on television. Plus, DHS oversees FEMA, so she isn't a stranger to handling weather threats and working on the administration's Katrina rebuilding effort.

She was in Obama's final four last spring and remains on the list this year as he nears a decision to replacing retiring Justice John Paul Stevens. Sources close to Obama have said she was chosen for her current spot -- after being considered for several others -- because of her long career in public service and her civil rights record. She's also a breast cancer survivor. These qualities all fit the bill for those empathetic characteristics Obama is seeking in a new justice, but selecting Napolitano is less certain because she's both needed and embroiled in many heated policy changes.

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