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DENVER (AP) -- Former U.S. Rep. John Salazar faces a Senate confirmation hearing to move him a step closer to taking charge of the state Department of Agriculture.

The farmer from Manassa has been designated for the agriculture job by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Salazar was a three-term congressman who lost his re-election bid last year to Republican Scott Tipton. The district includes western and southern Colorado.

Salazar has said that if he's confirmed, he won't run against Tipton in two years.

Three other Hickenlooper Cabinet picks face confirmation hearings Wednesday. Democrats control the Senate and aren't expected to block any of Hickenlooper's choices.

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