(Columbia-AP) Jan. 11, 2005 - A House Judiciary subcommittee is considering a bill that would change some state offices from elected to appointed positions.

The bill would allow the governor to appoint the agriculture commissioner and the superintendent of education.

The subcommittee on Tuesday decided against electing the secretary of state. Secretary of State Mark Hammond says an elected official is more accountable to the people.

Chairman Jim Harrison says the full House Judiciary Committee will take up the bill next week.

posted 3:08pm by Chris Rees