Maine Gov. Paul LePage plans to name himself as the state's education commissioner to avoid confirmation hearings for his choice to head the department.
The move comes two days after the Republican governor withdrew his nomination of acting commissioner William Beardsley for the permanent job because he expected Democrats to reject him for political reasons.
Democrats and LePage have been feuding over issues related to accommodating transgender students.
LePage made the announcement Thursday at a Lewiston Auburn Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
LePage said he will sign any legal documents required by a commissioner, but he has no intention of running the department.
Adrienne Bennett, the governor's spokeswoman, said Maine law allows Beardsley to serve as acting commissioner for six months and then as deputy commissioner.
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