According to a state Republican insider familiar with the process, former state Rep. Laura Knaperek is one of the top contenders to take over the Arizona Secretary of State's office if current SoS Jan Brewer assumes the governorship.

"My understanding is that Laura is on the top of Jan Brewer's list," said the source, who spoke with PolitickerAZ.com on condition of anonymity.

Knaperek unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in the 5th Congressional District in the September primary, and chaired the Arizona House Appropriations Committee when she served as a representative from Legislative District 27. 

Along with Knaperek, several others have emerged as a possible replacement for Brewer if Gov. Janet Napolitano hands her the keys to the 9th Floor, though the current list is said to include upwards of 30 names.

Publicly, Brewer has made no indication that she has formulated such a list, as Napolitano has not officially been tapped for the Homeland Security position yet. However, that has not stopped rampant speculation over who Brewer might appoint to take her spot, as Napolitano's nomination is still considered a near certainty.