MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Former state Senate Democrat Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee was appointed this afternoon as Wisconsin’s new railroad commissioner.

It was Plale’s second appointment under GOP Governor Scott Walker.

He was named the Director of State Facilities in January. Plale vows to improve Wisconsin’s rail infra-structure and safety. He said he understood the importance of rail shipping on commerce and job creation.

Plale was defeated for re-election in last fall’s Democratic primary by Chris Larson, who went on to win the Senate seat. Plale takes over for another former Democratic senator, Roger Breske of Eland.

Former Governor Jim Doyle named Breske as the railroad commissioner in 2008. It made it easier for Doyle to win legislative approval for Wisconsin’s public indoor smoking ban. That’s because Breske, a former Tavern League president, had been opposed to the ban.

The full Senate must approve Plale’s nomination.