AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Gov. John Baldacci’s nominee for the state’s top defense post, Brig. Gen. John Libby of Waterville.

The Senate voted 32-0 to finalize Libby’s appointment as commissioner of Maine’s Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.

Libby, who will oversee the state’s Air and Army National Guard, the Maine Emergency Management Agency and Bureau of Veterans Services, said homeland security initiatives will remain at the top of the department’s priority list.

The department’s deputy commissioner since 1999, Libby succeeds Maj. Gen. Joseph Tinkham, who is retiring. His confirmation completes Baldacci’s Cabinet appointments.

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