MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Can Wisconsin get by without a lieutenant governor or secretary of state?

That's the question a state Senate committee will consider Wednesday.

Republican state Sen. Alan Lasee of DePere has proposed eliminating both offices as a cost-saving move. Both of the current office holders are Democrats.

The lieutenant governor serves as "acting governor" when the governor is out of state and is next in line should the governor be unable to serve. The secretary of state maintains the official acts of the Legislature and governor and affixes the state seal to all official acts of the governor.

Both the state Assembly and Senate, which are controlled by Democrats, would have to approve the constitutional amendments twice. Voters also would have to approve them.

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