CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state Senate has confirmed the director of the state Department of Education despite the legal uncertainty surrounding the job.

The chamber voted 20-10 Tuesday to confirm Richard Crandall after rejecting an attempt to table his confirmation.

A law enacted last year replaced the statewide elected superintendent of public instruction as head of the education department with a director appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation.

However, the Supreme Court recently ruled the law was unconstitutional because it left too few duties for the superintendent. The case still has to clear other legal steps that could take months to resolve before it is final.

Republican Sen. Curt Meier, of LaGrange, sought to stop Crandall's confirmation in light of the Supreme Court's decision. But his motion failed on a 21-9 vote.

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