(AP) -- Two of Gov. Nikki Haley's Cabinet picks have received their first stamps of approval from the state's legislators.
The Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee on Thursday voted 12-0 to approve former newspaper editor and BMW Manufacturing executive Bobby Hitt to lead the state's Commerce Department.
The same panel also unanimously approved Catherine Templeton to direct the state Labor, Licensing and Regulation Department.
Templeton is a labor management lawyer who Haley says will help fight unionization efforts at Boeing's new North Charleston plant.
Both nominations now move to the state Senate floor for consideration. Haley planned to announce her eighth Cabinet pick later Thursday.
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