AUGUSTA (AP) – Patrick Fleming, who heads the state police liquor licensing, gaming and weapons unit, won a strong vote of legislative support Monday to become state police chief, advancing his chances of winning final Senate confirmation.

A 23-year state police veteran who holds the rank of lieutenant, Fleming won an 11-1 vote of support, with one absent, from the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

The vote came after a discussion of strengths and weaknesses in the agency, and one committee member’s sharp questioning about the process through which Fleming emerged as Democratic Gov. John Baldacci’s choice.

Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan, who presented the nomination to the committee, was asked by Rep. Richard Sykes to describe details of the process for choosing a successor to former Chief Craig Poulin. The chief carries the rank of colonel.

Jordan complied, but in further questioning refused to say whether Fleming was her top choice among finalists. Sykes, R-Harrison, said he was also concerned that his Freedom of Access queries to the department about the selection process went unanswered.

Asked if she believed Fleming to be the most qualified candidate for the post, Jordan told Sykes, “Lieutenant Fleming is qualified.” Upon further questioning by Rep. Stanley Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick, Jordan said, “I’m confident he’s a good selection … I’m confident Lieutenant Fleming will do a fine job.”

Sykes explained that he was voting against the nominee because of his dissatisfaction with the process, not because he opposes Fleming, whom he described as “a good candidate.”

“This nomination has all the appearances of a political appointment (by) the governor to his former bodyguard,” Sykes told the committee.

For 12 years, Fleming was part of the state police executive protection division, which provides security for the governor and other top state officials. He served as the division’s sergeant between 2000 and 2004.

Fleming, of Fairfield, said that since becoming a trooper as a 21-year-old in 1984, he has “immersed myself in the process” of learning all aspects of state police work, including financial management. He has a bachelor’s degree in management and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maine.

After joining the state police, Fleming patrolled as a trooper in north central Maine for nine years, investigating a wide variety of crimes and working closely with local police, said Jordan.

Fleming received strong endorsements from the Maine State Troopers Association, in which he formerly served as secretary, the Maine Sheriffs Association, the state Office of Judicial Marshals and Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty.

“I’ve see firsthand Patrick Fleming’s ability to work as a team player,” said Liberty.

Representatives of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse and the Beer and Wine Wholesalers’ Association praised his leadership in restoring effective liquor enforcement after the state’s liquor enforcement bureau was cut back in 2005.

Fleming said the educational level of state police is rising. He also said the agency lacks a sufficient number of troopers to patrol the highways, especially in rural areas where more Mainers are now living. He said having too few troopers frustrates proactive law enforcement.

Fleming expressed confidence in his own ability to lead the agency, which has 341 sworn officers from trooper to colonel.

“I’m experienced enough to know I don’t know everything,” said Fleming, who said he would surround himself with those who are most qualified.

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On the Net:

Maine State Police: http://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/

AP-ES-04-23-07 1552EDT