Kevin Gunn’s appointment as a utility regulator advanced a step this morning despite lingering resentment from Senate Democrats.

Gunn’s nomination to the Public Service Commission won approval from the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on a 6-3 vote. The full Senate must still approve the appointment.

Democrats are mad because Gunn was their star candidate in the 15th District race to succeed Sen. Mike Gibbons, R-Kirkwood.

Republicans one-upped the Democrats when Gov. Matt Blunt persuaded Gunn to drop out of the race to take the plum PSC appointment. The job, which involves setting utility rates and policies, pays about $100,000 a year, compared to about $35,000 a year for the Senate post.

Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis, and two other Democrats voted against Gunn’s appointment in committee. Coleman said she was reflecting the concerns of her Democratic constituents and colleagues.

“This was an obvious political appointment to get Kevin Gunn out of the Senate race,” she said. “Folks are insulted by how blatant it is and want to express their displeasure with him. People feel like he’s betrayed the Democratic Party.”

Other Democrats opposing Gunn were Sens. Chuck Graham of Columbia and Victor Callahan of Independence. One Democrat — Ryan McKenna of Crystal City — joined Republicans in supporting Gunn.

Gunn, an attorney, said after the vote that he had accepted the governor’s offer because “energy policy is going to be the most interesting policy area that affects all Missourians.”

If confirmed, he said he will get an apartment in the capital to comply with residency requirements. He said he will decide later whether to move his family to Jefferson City.