Collins promises careful review of Napolitano nomination

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) released a statement Monday on the nomination of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary under President-elect Barack Obama.

Collins is the ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

"The Department of Homeland Security requires a strong leader who has the ability to direct one of the largest government departments and has a commitment to working in a bipartisan manner on homeland security challenges facing our nation," Collins said. "As a governor of a border state, Janet Napolitano understands the importance of developing policies that will not impede legitimate travel and trade but will keep our enemies out. I spoke with the Governor earlier today and look forward to working with Senator [Joe] Lieberman to consider this nomination carefully and expeditiously."