GOV. JAN BREWER (Photo by Capitol Media Services)

Much like Barack Obama became president Tuesday precisely at noon Eastern time, even though he hadn’t taken the oath of office yet, Jan Brewer became the state’s 24nd governor immediately upon the resignation of Janet Napolitano later that afternoon. But the Brewer administration won’t allow that little quirk to interfere with its plans for a little ceremony outside of the copper dome this afternoon. Brewer is scheduled to take her own oath of office at 3 p.m. today on the state Capitol grounds. I say good for her. Maybe Brewer wasn’t elected to the governor’s office, but she deserves a party in her honor before plunging into the terrible task of managing the state’s enormous budget shortfall. And I’m guessing a lot of voters who barely know who Brewer is would like to hear what she expects to be doing for the next two years until the 2010 election.

UPDATE: As of noon today, Brewer is listed on state Web sites as governor and as secretary of state. Don’t worry, she isn’t launching a dramatic coup or anything. Former state Senate president Ken Bennett will be apppointed soon to replace her as secretary of state.