Senate committee advances Ben LePak as Secretary of State nominee

The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources voted unanimously to advance Ben LePaks nomination to be Secretary of State.

Senator Pew introduced the nomination and yielded to LePak, who said he has served in the role on an interim basis and described the offices principal public-facing functions as business filings and record keeping. "I think the place where the public probably interacts with the secretary of state's office the most is in the business filing division," LePak said, adding that the office is also responsible for initiative-petition verification.

Senator Kurt and others asked about the initiative petition and administrative rules processes. LePak said career staff briefed him on the initiative process and that he is committed to an "above board" and ministerial approach to routine office functions. Ginger comments from members emphasized the role career staff play in administration and the need for impartiality.

A due-pass motion was offered and seconded. The clerk called the roll and the committee recorded 8 ayes, 0 nays; Chair Bullard declared the nomination passed and moved to the full Senate floor. The committee also advanced LePak's concurrent appointment to the governor's cabinet by the same margin.

Next steps: the nominations will proceed to the full Senate for consideration.