Most Powerful Woman In Arizona

Democratic Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is not only making her mark in her state, but in the rest of the nation as well. She has a double digit lead over her opponents in her bid for re-election and she is now the first women to chair the National Governors Association in its 98 year history.

Political experts say Napolitano is savvy and appeals to moderates of both parties with her practical approach to controversial topics such as illegal immigration, in which Arizona is epicenter of the national debate over how to control illegal border crossings. Republicans concede Napolitano is a formidable foe.

Napolitano's many accomplishments include funding a statewide full-day kindergarten program, boosting teacher pay, sending aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and issuing tax credit incentives for small businesses that provide healthcare.

While Republicans complain about her insistence on having everything her way, Arizonians appear to approve of her determination and toughness, said David R. Berman, political professor emeritus of political science at Arizona State University. "Some data suggest that voters are closer to the governor on many issues than they are to the Republican conservatives who control the Legislature," he said.

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