Alumnus Runs for Office?

By Robert Wear

What if the next president of the U.S. was a Bronco? Even though Hillary Clinton might not be running for the presidency in 2016, it is quite possible that a Santa Clara alumnus will be on the ticket.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Santa Clara alumnus from the class of '79, may be the next woman to keep your eye on.

According to the Washington Post, Napolitano has "made it quietly known that she is considering the race."

During her term as the Democratic governor of Arizona, she was criticized for not being aggressive enough on certain issues, namely immigration, yet she has been able to change her image during her time in President Barack Obama's Cabinet.

She toured the Southwest with the president last week, making strides to reduce the flow of illegal immigration into the U.S. This stance may enable her to stand at the forefront of a constituency by representing the future of the Democratic Party.
Her decision to remain in Obama's Cabinet for a second term is indicative of her desire to further her political career. Although it is considered quite difficult to run for president from the Cabinet, the Post describes her as a "smart and savvy politician" and a woman to look out for in the next election.

Contact Robert Wear at rwear@scu.edu.