Gunn confirmed by Senate for Mo. utility regulatory commission

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- State senators have confirmed suburban St. Louis attorney Kevin Gunn to serve on the state commission that regulates public utilities.

Gunn was a Democratic candidate for state Senate when Republican Gov. Matt Blunt appointed him to the Missouri Public Service Commission last month. That move caused Gunn to get out of the race to replace departing Republican Sen. Michael Gibbons.

Some Senate Democrats blocked Gunn's confirmation last month because they were upset about losing Gunn as a candidate. But Gunn faced no opposition Thursday as the Senate approved his appointment.

Gunn has served on the Webster Groves City Council and was chief of staff for former Democratic Congressman Richard Gephardt, of St. Louis.