AUGUSTA – The state Senate, in a party-line, 18-17 vote on Thursday, approved Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap’s nomination of David Cheever of Augusta to be the state archivist.

The Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee recommended confirmation 8-5 after more than three hours of testimony Tuesday. Supporters, many of them local officials, praised Cheever and his abilities, but several in the state’s history and archivist community opposed him, saying he doesn’t have the education or experience needed for the job.

Cheever is expected to be sworn in July 2 and will take over for James Henderson, who is retiring on June 30. The job pays between $55,000 and $79,000 a year, with the governor setting the salary amount. It is a six-year appointment.