PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer is expected to announce today that she's officially throwing her hat into the ring for next year's gubernatorial election.
Brewer, a Republican, took office in January after then-governor Janet Napolitano, a Democrat, resigned to head up the Department of Homeland Security.
Brewer filed the necessary paperwork to organize a campaign committee this morning. This afternoon, she's expected to host a news conference to announce that she's running for a full four-year term.
Much of Brewer's inherited term has been spent mired in a fight over a $2 billion budget deficit.
Because of the ongoing budget battle and some deep budget cuts, analysts say Brewer has some work to do to win over voters.
"She's definitely alienated herself from a lot core constituencies," said Dennis Welch of the Arizona Guardian. "I think what you're going to be seeing is her maybe reaching out to try and get those people back into the Republican fold."
Brewer joins a growing list of Republicans who plan to run for governor in 2010. Also on that list are Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker and former university Regent John Munger. While state Treasurer Dean Martin reportedly is considering running, he has not yet taken any formal action.
Brewer has a 25-year history in Arizona politics, serving on the Legislature, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and as Secretary of State. She has never lost a local or state election.
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