Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, a University Law School alumna, were recognized by Time magazine as among the nation's five best governors.
In the edition, released yesterday, Time also recognized Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Kenny Guinn of Nevada and Kathleen Sibelis of Kansas.
The article said the five honorees are the "hardest working" governors in the nation and specifically recognized Warner for his handling of the Commonwealth's financial problems. It also cited the governor's role in the election of governor-elect Democrat Tim Kaine last week as evidence of his popularity.
According to Warner's spokeswoman Ellen Quails, the governor appreciates the recognition, but he is focused on what he still needs to do as governor.
"The governor is happy to be mentioned for what he has done," Quails said. "It is nice that since he is the only governor in the nation that cannot run for re-election that he was able to get recognition like that."
Quails said she believes Warner's ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans must have factored into Time's decision to name him one of the nation's top governors.
"What we accomplished, we accomplished in a bipartisan manner," Quail said. "As a Democratic governor, you have to work with Republicans or you don't get things get things done."
Although she said the Time ranking is flattering, Quail added that a better indicator of the governor's performance is the Government Performance Projects' decision to rank Virginia as the best managed state in the country this year. Utah tied for the first place position.
According to Napolitano's Chief of Staff Alan Stephens, the Arizona governor also is grateful for her inclusion in the list.
"Obviously the governor is delighted to be recognized as one of the best governors in the nation, but she is concentrating more on getting the job done," Stephens said. "It's an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious publication as Time magazine, but I think the governor would say that her first and foremost responsibility is taking care of Arizona and preparing for its future."
According to Time, the University Law graduate was acknowledged for her handling of Arizona's fiscal crisis, as Napolitano removed a $1.3 billion deficit without increasing taxes. Additionally, Time praised her promotion of social benefits and her handling of illegal immigration. She is the first female vice chair of the National Governors Association and Chairperson of the Western Governor's Association, according to Stephens. Napolitano also is the first female graduate of the University to be elected governor in any state, according to WINA radio news.
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