INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Eric Holcomb has been confirmed as Indiana’s 51st lieutenant governor.

The Senate approved Holcomb’s selection unanimously, about an hour after the House supported him 95-3. Senate President Pro Tem David Long says the former chief of staff to Governor Mitch Daniels has a heart for helping Hoosiers. He says the departed Sue Ellspermann leaves “big shoes to fill,” but says Holcomb is the most qualified person he can think of for the job.

Indianapolis Representative Ed DeLaney was one of three Democrats voting no — he says much of Holcomb’s career has centered not on governing but politics. Holcomb was Daniels’ campaign manager and later served as state Republican chairman.

But Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) says Holcomb, and Governor Pence, deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Holcomb was sworn in at 2 p.m. Thursday.