(AP) — Senators have approved Gov. Pete Ricketts' choice to lead the Nebraska State Patrol despite concerns about his involvement in a gender discrimination lawsuit 10 years ago. Chairman Sen. John Murante of Gretna defended the government committee's unanimous decision to advance the appointment, saying Rice meets qualifications for the job and had both male and female troopers testify to his fairness and integrity. At the hearing, Rice said there are only four women in upper management out of the State Patrol's 385 sworn officers, but he does not believe gender should affect promotions for qualified candidates.