The State Senate approves several of Governor Doyle's long delayed appointments to the UW Board of Regents. The eight regents confirmed on Tuesday had their appointments held up for years in the former Republican-controlled Senate. Democratic State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) was among those critical of the GOP for the delay. Speaking on the floor, Jauch blamed Republicans for holding up the nominations.
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) defended the decision to block the confirmations. He says Doyle removed existing regents from the board and put in his own people. State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) voted against the nominations, citing constituent concerns that the Board of Regents isn't working in the best interest of the UW System.
The regents include former Assembly Speaker Tom Loftus. All eight have been able to serve, despite the delay.