Gov. candidates spar over DNR secretary

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates are clashing over who should appoint the Department of Natural Resources secretary.

Democratic front-runner Tom Barrett says he supports letting the Natural Resources Board appoint the secretary. Barrett says board appointment insulates the secretary's office from gubernatorial politics.

Republican hopeful Scott Walker says the current practice of allowing the governor to appoint the secretary should continue. Walker's camp says that method makes the secretary more accountable to taxpayers and outdoors lovers.

Mark Neumann also is running for the GOP nomination. His spokesman, Chris Lato, says he supports allowing the governor to appoint the secretary because it ensures direct accountability to the people.