The Senate confirmed several of Gov. Gary Herbert's appointees Wednesday, including a tax commissioner who drew some opposition and two replacements to controversial candidates for the state school board and the state appeals court.

The body confirmed Michael Cragun to the state tax commission on a 22-5 vote. Some had expressed concerns that Cragun, who was Herbert's legal counsel as lieutenant governor, lacked the tax background for the job.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, said taxpayers are entitled to have someone with tax experience when they argue their case.

Sen. Wayne Neiderhauser, R-Sandy, said he heard from many voicing similar concerns, but he is confident Cragun is up to the task.

The Senate also confirmed Fred Voros, the chief of the attorney general's criminal appeals division, to the Utah Court of Appeals. Voros was nominated after Judge Robert Hilder's nomination by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was rejected. Voros came to the attorney general's office under Democrat Jan Graham, and has supported Democratic candidates.

"I have known soon-to-be Judge Voros for many years and have just known him to be a fair and capable person," said Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones, D-Holladay. "I think our state will do so well with him in this position."

Also, Craig Coleman was confirmed to the long-vacant District 3 seat for the Utah Board of Education. Huntsman had nominated Michael Clarke Johnsen of Tooele to the position, but the nomination was withdrawn because of opposition from those who argued that the time hadn't been taken to consider qualified candidates.