WASHINGTON – Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Peter Cianchette of South Portland has been nominated by President George W. Bush to the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board for the remainder of a five-year term expiring Sept. 14, 2010.

The nomination will be referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee of which Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine is a member.

“The nomination of Peter Cianchette to serve on the IRS’ Oversight Board is a reflection of his unparalleled intellect and integrity that the people of Maine have come to know so well,” Snowe said in announcing the nomination Wednesday. “I commend the president for this nomination and believe that Peter’s record as a successful businessman will serve the federal government and the IRS well.”

Cianchette lost to Gov. John Baldacci in the 2002 gubernatorial election and briefly sought the Republican nomination for the 2006 race before bowing out last fall.

Created by the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, the nine-member IRS Oversight Board is charged with overseeing the IRS in its administration, management, conduct, direction and supervision of the execution and application of the internal revenue laws.