2 Cabinet nominees secure confirmation Senate OK of McGowan, Murray likely

AUGUSTA – Two more of Gov. John Baldacci’s Cabinet nominees were whisked through committee confirmation hearings Monday before receiving solid votes of support, virtually assuring their final approval by the Senate.

The Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee endorsed Patrick McGowan by a 12-0 vote after representatives of hunting and fishing, environmental and forest management interests praised the York resident’s qualifications as a true conservationist and able administrator.

Later in the day, the Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted 11-0 to endorse Robert “Buddy” Murray Jr. of Bangor for commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Groups representing banks and credit unions – two of the industries regulated by the department – joined friends and former legislative colleagues in praising Murray as a critical thinker who quickly grasps complex issues.

“He is a superb lawyer,” said John McCarthy, who served in a Bangor law firm with Murray. “I would like to speak against his nomination, because we’d like to keep him.”

No one spoke against either nominee. McGowan and Murray now face final confirmation votes by the Senate, but approval appears likely given the dissent-free committee votes.

Last Thursday, the Senate confirmed the first two nominees for Baldacci’s Cabinet that had faced committee reviews.

By separate 31-0 votes, senators confirmed Rebecca Wyke for commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services and Martin Magnusson for corrections commissioner, a post he also held during the King administration.

Wyke, of Augusta, was sworn in during a small ceremony in Baldacci’s office on Monday.

Still to be named are nominees for such high-profile departments as Education, Transportation and Human Services.

The Conservation Department oversees state forests, public lands and parks in addition to the Land Use Regulation Commission. McGowan told lawmakers his top challenge would be delivering necessary services as the state faces severe budget pressures.

But his supporters said McGowan’s background as regional director of the federal Small Business Administration and previous experience as a legislator who was a leading supporter of major land-protection bond issues prepare him well for the Cabinet post.

“Conservation is in his heart,” said George Smith, executive director of the 14,000-member Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

Among McGowan’s other supporters were the Maine Sierra Club, Natural Resources Council of Maine, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Maine Forest Products Council, Wagner Forest Management and the Seven Islands Land Co.

Murray, also a former state lawmaker, would head a department that oversees the banking and securities, financial services and insurance industries in addition to numerous professional licensing and registration boards.

Despite its low profile, the department comes into contact with most Mainers, Murray said.

“If you want to work in Maine or do business in Maine, this department will touch you in some way,” said Edward Povich of Ellsworth, a former legislator who served as House chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee with Murray, then the committee’s Senate chair.

Povich said he “marveled at [Murray’s] depth of understanding” on a variety of complex issues and praised his ability to forge compromises on the committee.

Maine Association of Community Banks, Maine Credit Union League and Maine Bankers Association representatives said they supported Murray’s nomination.

Murray told the committee he brought private- and public-sector experience to the job.

“I pledge to be a team player with you, the Legislature,” he said.