MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Senate has approved a Republican bill that would give the governor the power to appoint the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary.

The Board of Veterans Affairs currently appoints the secretary. The board is made up of gubernatorial appointees.

State veterans are divided on whether the governor should name the secretary or whether the board should retain the power. Supporters of gubernatorial appointment say the move would make the secretary more accountable. Opponents say it will politicize the board and department even more.

The Senate approved the bill 21-12. The Assembly was expected to take it up later Wednesday. Minority Democrats in that house used a procedural maneuver to block a final vote on the measure last month.