Why not? In the first place, the nominee must be OF THE SAME PARTY as the Senator being replaced. Secondly, Napolitano is a very popular Governor up for reelection next year. Her future depends on conservatives staying home. She will not provoke them with an off the wall nomination. Finally, the appointment would be a one year appointment until the next general election, in this case coinciding with what would be the end of Kyl's term. She could use the appointment to preempt a popular challenger for her office. In any case we would likely get a more conservative appointment than if it were a Republican making the choice.
The Democratic nominee will be Jim Pederson who financed Napolitano's election. The more conservative the Republican, the better his chances are.
That said, Kyl will not be selected.
Actually, that's not correct
Remember, Zell Miller took the seat from Paul Coverdell, so that was an effective party switch for the seat
Whoa...I don't think you're right (unless there is some strange state-thing in AZ).