RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s choice to lead the agency managing North Carolina parks, protecting natural areas and preserving state history has been given a seal of approval from a state Senate committee, but not all members signed on.
The Senate panel voted 11-3 on Thursday to recommend the confirmation of former Rep. Susi Hamilton of Wilmington as secretary of natural and cultural resources. The recommendation now goes to another committee.
Hamilton was subpoenaed to testify Thursday like other Cabinet secretaries. Senators asked Hamilton questions about her economic disclosure statement and the recent firing of the head of Tryon Palace historic site in New Bern.
Cooper and Republican legislative leaders are in litigation over a new law requiring full Senate confirmation. Three secretaries whose confirmations are now complete were approved unanimously.
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