More Updates:

Jesse Helms dies at 86Tucson, Pima County services to take hit in new state budget4 Tucson lawyers finalists for Superior Court bench postChestnut beats Kobayashi in hot dog eat-off2 teens attacked in town mocked in YouTube videosPreview: Save on outdoor gear at Tucson military surplus storesTucson comic book shop owner up for national prizeTucson police photo radar van weekend scheduleIll. father without baby sitter caged daughters, police sayScottsdale man convicted in child malnourishment case

Related articles:

National Guard border rotation end is near Delay of border pullout is sought

Other articles by Howard Fischer:

At least 11 measures likely to be on ballot Low cost to state aim of points-free photo radar tickets Group seeks easing of Arizona law targeting employers of illegal immigrants Appeals court: State can seize wire transfers Backers of tax boost for roads squabble over funds, petitions School vouchers OK for now, but funds aren't there Initiative to scuttle affirmative action faces court challenge New homes could get new warrantiesAz voter initiative would require 10-year new-home warranty Legislature's handiwork: 300 new laws

Trades/Construction
Jacobs Electric
Electricians & Helpers General
Prestige maintenance USA
Custodian Mechanical
Pioneer Landscaping
Diesel Fleet Mechanic Trades/Construction
Pioneer Landscaping
Yard Person/Loader Operator Administrative & Professional
Tucson Symphony
Teleservices Sales/Courtesy Rep Trades/Construction
Lectra-Serv, Inc
Electricians & Helpers Trades/Construction
Pioneer Landscaping
Yard Person/Loader Operator

PHOENIX -- Saying the new "virtual fence'' in Southern Arizona is flawed, Gov. Janet Napolitano is asking the nation's security chief to delay the pullout of National Guard troops from the area.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the governor said the 28-mile experimental segment near Sasabe has had "continuing problems.'' The result, she said, is that plans to expand the network of cameras and sensors is now being pushed back to 2011.

Napolitano said that makes plans to withdraw the remaining Guard soldiers from the border by July 15 ill advised. But Russ Knocke, Chertoff's press aide, said while adjustments have had to be made, the virtual fence is working.

He also said the Guard deployment, known as Operation Jump Start, always was intended to be a temporary measure while the government hired and trained more Border Patrol officers. Knocke said there already are 15,000 on board -- from fewer than 12,000 when the process began -- with the agency on track to have 18,000 hired by the end of the year.

Napolitano's letter, obtained Wednesday, is the latest salvo between the Democrat governor and the Republican administration about whether the federal government is fulfilling its obligation to secure the border.