Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Friday said the White House should nominate New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to replace departing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, the New York Daily News reported.
“The Department of Homeland Security is one of the most important agencies in the federal government,” Schumer said in a written statement, as quoted by the Daily News. “Its leader needs to be someone who knows law enforcement, understands anti-terrorism efforts, and is a top-notch administrator, and at the NYPD, Ray Kelly has proven that he excels in all three. As a former head of the Customs and Border patrol, he has top-level federal management experience. There is no doubt Ray Kelly would be a great DHS Secretary, and I have urged the White House to very seriously consider his candidacy.”
When asked about Schumer’s recommendation in a Friday briefing, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said it is “far too premature” to start speculating about Napolitano’s successor.