Sen. Schumer, Rep. King Recommend Ray Kelly For Homeland Security Slot
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Senator Charles Schumer has recommended New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Current head Janet Napolitano said Friday she was resigning to take a job as president of the University of California system.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, says she's done a great job in an important post.
Sen. Schumer, Rep. King Recommend Ray Kelly For Homeland Security Slot
Schumer says the leader should be someone who knows law enforcement, understands anti-terrorism efforts and is a top-notch administrator.
He says Kelly excels at all three.
"Ray Kelly is the man for the job - New York's loss would be [the] nation's gain," said Schumer in a statement.
"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. While it would be New York's loss, Commissioner Kelly's appointment as the head of DHS would be a great boon for the entire country. Janet Napolitano has done an outstanding job, and if I had to give her a grade on her tenure, it would be 'A+'. We need someone just as good who can fill her shoes," Schumer added.
Long Island Congressman Peter King echoed those sentiments, 1010 WINS reporter Carol D'Auria reported.
"The NYPD has more than 50,000 officers and civilians, he has the largest counter terrorism force in the country, he previously worked in Washington as the head of customs which is an integral part of Homeland Security," King said.
The police commissioner previously led U.S. Customs and Border patrol under Clinton.
On Friday he praised Napolitano's record, but didn't comment on the future. He has repeatedly said he is focusing on his current job.
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