JUNEAU (AP) — House Democrats have confirmed Sam Kito III as the newest member of the state Legislature.

Gov. Sean Parnell last week chose Kito from among three candidates forwarded by the Tongass Democrats to fill the House seat vacated when Juneau Democrat Beth Kerttula resigned for a fellowship at Stanford University. Kerttula resigned Jan. 24.

Under the law, the appointment must be confirmed by members in the same chamber and of the same political party as the person who previously held the seat.

House Minority Leader Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, said Tuesday that it was a quick, unanimous decision among House Democrats to confirm Kito.