Governor Maggie Hassan says the qualifications of her pick to be the state's top bank regulator are significant and unique.
Hassan's vote of confidence in GOP state senator Jerry Little comes as a online petition urging her to rescind Little's nomination has gathered more than 700 signatures.
Little spent 21 years running the New Hampshire Bankers Association before stepping down in 2011. Critics argue that makes him ill-equipped to the state's next Banking Commissioner.
But Hassan says says she's confident Little is right for the job, and points to votes he took as a state senator as proof that Little values consumer protection.
"I think if people look at his actual record as well as understand the kind of personal integrity he has they will understand why I nominated him. I look forward to the hearing process."
Last year Little sponsored a bill Hassan backed to modernize state securities laws.
The Executive Council is expected to take up Jerry Little's nomination next month.
An earlier version of this report improperly described Little's stance on a bill related to forclosure sale notice requirements.
