ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – It took less than 10 minutes for Larry Shellito to win the backing of a Minnesota Senate committee, which recommended he be confirmed as state Veterans Affairs commissioner.

The former leader of the Minnesota National Guard faced only a few questions before Wednesday’s unanimous vote in his favor. The full Senate usually follows committee recommendations.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton named Shellito in January to head the agency that oversees state veterans benefits and veterans homes. Last year, Shellito retired as adjutant general of the Guard.

All members of Dayton’s cabinet await confirmation by the GOP-controlled state Senate. Commissioners are rarely denied confirmation.

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