Gov. Janet Napolitano said she will continue to request that the federal government to put National Guard troops back on the U.S.-Mexican border to help curb illegal immigration.

Asked about remarks that she would ask President-elect Barack Obama to put the National Guard back on the border, Napolitano emphasized she is making those requests as the governor of Arizona. She continued to decline comment on reports that Obama had picked her to head up the Department of Homeland Security, which helps oversee federal efforts to secure the border and curb illegal immigration.

"What I said is I think we'll have discussions about what needs to happen on the border. But again, these questions are inappropriate. I am the governor of Arizona. As the governor of Arizona, I'm going to continue that request," Napolitano said Nov. 21, following a brief speech at the Phoenix Urban Research Laboratory at Arizona State University's downtown campus. "I'm not looking for a new job, and until things are announced from (Obama's headquarters in) Chicago, it is up to the president-elect. It's his prerogative to announce his cabinet."

In 2006, Napolitano became the first governor in the U.S. to declare a state of emergency at the nation's border with Mexico, and signed an executive order to deploy National Guard troops. She was critical of federal officials for withdrawing many of those National Guard troops in 2007.

The governor was considered a top contender for the post of attorney general in Obama's cabinet, but a day after reports named for Clinton Administration official Eric Holder as the president-elect's choice, Napolitano was reported as the Obama's pick for Homeland Security secretary.

She has not confirmed whether the job has been offered, or whether she will take it. Obama is scheduled to announce his national security team, which includes DHS secretary, on Dec. 3.