A Democratic state senator from Eland in Shawano County will be getting a substantial pay raise, after his appointment by Governor Jim Doyle as state railroad commissioner.

Doyle named 69-year-old Senator Roger Breske to replace Commissioner Rodney Kreunen, who's about to turn 75.

Doyle's office says Breske will get $85,000 a year, up from just over $47,000 he made as a senator. It's also up from the $70,500 Kreunen makes as commissioner.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee political scientist and former lawmaker Mordecai Lee says legislators often look for higher-paying political appointments near the end of their careers. It's a way to boost their state pensions when they retire.

The appointment is effective June 4th.