DENVER (AP) - A former Republican state senator who was defeated in a primary last year could be returning to state government - as an appointed member of a college board. 

Former Sen. Jean White of Hayden has been nominated to join the nine-member Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education.

White was appointed to the Senate in 2011 to replace her husband, who joined the cabinet of Gov. John Hickenlooper. 

White was defeated in a Republican primary last year by Sen. Randy Baumgardner of Hot Sulphur Springs. 

The Senate Education Committee considers the White appointment Thursday. Board nominees seldom have opposition.

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