The latest name to emerge from the speculation surrounding Barack Obama's cabinet appointments is that of Janet Napolitano, the Arizona governor who, sources say, has been tapped to become secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

By all accounts she's a popular choice, and apparently even John McCain weighed in with his approval, but what do we really know about the woman who may soon be arbitrarily adjusting the color-coded terror threat level? Read on and find out.

Age: 50

Astrological sign: Sagittarius. Napolitano was born under the same sign as Rahm Emanuel, who we've already covered, so obviously her personality is exactly the same as his.

Current gig: Governor of Arizona, as if John McCain didn't need to have it rubbed in his face any more than he already has.

Homeland security credentials: Served as Arizona Attorney General, and as governor of a border state, has experience with immigration policy, border security, and talking down rifle-and-beer-cooler-toting Minutemen.

One foot in the door: Immediately after the election, Napolitano was named to the advisory board of the "Obama-Biden Transition Project," the Democratic party's long-awaited prog rock album featuring former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman.

Let the pubic hair jokes begin: As a partner at the private Phoenix law firm of Lewis and Roca LLP, Napolitano represented Anita Hill in her sexual harassment case against then-nominee for the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas.

Is she...um...what's the deal with...you know?: Well, she's 50, unmarried, childless, and certainly seems to fit the profile. But she also opposes same-sex marriage and has long been a victim of a whisper campaign about her sexuality. So, the jury's still out, if by "jury," you mean unhinged internet bloggers.

If I can't jump in a pile of leaves, the terrorists have won: As Arizona governor, she pushed for restrictions on the use of leaf blowers on high pollution days.

Not to be confused with: Neopolitan ice cream. Despite the similarity in name, Janet Napolitano is not divided into vanilla, chocolate and strawberry sections.

Posted by: Jason Reich      I’m a fan of Jason Reich