O: Ray would qualify for Homeland

President Obama said yesterday that Ray Kelly is “wellqualified” to run the Department of Homeland Security, as his administration searches for a candidate to fill the position.

The president made the comments about the NYPD commissioner during an interview with New York’s Univision affiliate as Kelly is being floated as a possible replacement for outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Obama didn’t confirm whether he is actively considering nominating Kelly, but said he’d like to know if he is available.

“Mr. Kelly might be very happy where he is, but if he’s not, I’d want to know about it,” Obama said. “Because, you know, obviously he’d be very wellqualified.”

Napolitano has been an advocate of immigration reform, a legislative priority in Obama’s second term.

Kelly’s name has surfaced as a possible replacement for her, in part because of his strong reputation for cracking down on crime.

He could also help neutralize the criticism of conservatives who oppose immigration reform over border security concerns.

“It’s one of the toughest jobs in Washington,” Obama said.

“But, you know, we’re going to have a bunch of strong candidates.”

Joe Tacopino, Wires