The Arizona Governor on What It Takes

New Orleans, LA: As a politician, what are the most difficult decisions that you have to make? And what helps you get through them?
Janet Napolitano: As a governor, you not only have to make difficult decisions, you often have to make them with incomplete information. I try to gather as much data as I can, I have an excellent staff with whom I sound out ideas, and I use my best efforts to arrive at a conclusion. The thing I have learned as governor is that once a decision is made, you have to move forward: you can't keep revisiting everything all the time. Things move fast. You have to keep pace and you have to lead. And if difficult decisions arrive at my desk, well, that's what I'm there for.

New York NY: What have you most enjoyed about being governor as compared to what your role would be if you were a legislator? What of her own personal characteristics and strengths should a woman with political aspirations take into consideration in deciding what type of office she wants to seek?
Janet Napolitano: As a governor, you set the table for the legislature. You lay out the road map of where you think the state needs to go and you have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the state. I found my personality well-suited for the CEO position, and I enjoy it.

Chicago IL: Do you think Bush and Congress are helping solve any of the problems of illegal immigration? I think that in Chicago we have see increased crime and violence because of illegal immigrants. What's the solution? I know this is a very important issue for your state.
Janet Napolitano: You're right that immigration is a hugely important issue for America and Arizona in particular. The failure of the administration and Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform was regrettable, to say the least. If you'd like to see my views on what reform should look like, please go to my website, www.AZgovernor.gov, where you will find the text of a speech I gave in February at the National Press Club.

Miami, FL: Who are the women that you admire the most?
Janet Napolitano: I admire women who take charge of their lives, instead of having their lives take charge of them. Some people have overcome great obstacles, and many do so in everyday life. Maybe you don't hear about them, but they are heroes in their own lives.

Phoenix, AZ: As much as we'd hate to lose you as Governor, I think you would make a great vice presidential candidate. Would you accept the offer if it were made?
Janet Napolitano: Thanks for the kind words.

Bossier City, LA: As you have risen through the ranks of politics have you found that most men do not take women politicians seriously in this country? If so, how have you overcome this obstacle?
Janet Napolitano: I have never had a problem being taken seriously. But I place a great emphasis on preparation and knowing my subject before I speak. People of both sexes respond well to someone who is prepared and who has thought through a difficult issue, and that's what I've always tried to do.