For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21 2009

– Republican Secretary of State Brewer Becomes Arizona Governor, Napolitano Named Homeland Security Secretary –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, congratulated Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer as she takes the post of Governor. Brewer was named Governor as Democrat Governor Janet Napolitano has accepted the position of Homeland Security Secretary in the Obama Administration. Governor Brewer has a 26-year history in state and local government – having served in both chambers of the Arizona legislature, as chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, and most recently as Secretary of State. She is a prime example of the mission of the RSLC – building a farm team for the future.

“The people of Arizona will be well-served with a strong leader in Jan Brewer as their Governor,” said RSLC President Scott Ward. “Throughout her career she has implemented commonsense solutions to fiscal and public safety issues, among others. Jan Brewer is an outstanding, capable individual and we look forward to seeing her further success as Governor.”

“Today’s state and local leaders are tomorrow’s future, and we work vigorously to elect those who reflect the ideas and principles of the American people,” added Ward. “Governor Brewer is a perfect example of the mission of our organization.”

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the only national organization whose mission is electing Republicans to the Office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State legislator.  The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country – making a national impact one state at a time.

The RSLC has over 70,000 donors from all 50 states supporting the RSLC’s goals to pursue a pro-growth agenda, including reforming the tax code, healthcare and legal systems; promoting a better educational system; and advocating public safety through tough, crime-fighting policies.

During the 2008 election the RSLC helped maintain the number of Republican Attorneys General and Lieutenant Governors across the U.S. In addition, the RSLC was able to deliver new Republican majorities in the Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee state senates, as well as an unprecedented majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.