AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Heather Sanborn as Maine’s public advocate along a largely party line vote.

Gov. Janet Mills nominated Sanborn to the post in December, describing her background as an attorney, small business owner and former lawmaker as the “right combination of experiences to this important job.”

The public advocate is the person responsible for representing the interests of Maine utility consumers before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and federal authorities.

In supporting her nomination, Sen. Mark Lawrence (D-Eliot) said she is “somebody who can provide independent voice for low-income consumers.”

However, Sen. Matt Harrington (R-Sanford) said he did not feel Sanborn is qualified for the post, saying she served only one term on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee and voted in support of solar subsidies now opposed by many Republicans.

He urged Sanborn to be an independent voice for consumers.

“Look past the Governor’s Energy Office and the climate council and really take this job seriously, look after Maine ratepayers who are absolutely getting crushed,” Harrington said.

The Senate voted 19-15 in support of Sanborn’s nomination.