NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposed constitutional amendment calling for the popular election of the state’s attorney general has overwhelmingly passed the Senate.

The measure, which has failed for a number of years, was approved 23-9.

Under the state’s constitution, the attorney general is appointed to an eight-year term by the state Supreme Court.

The sponsor of the proposal, Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet, says the current process is a conflict of interest because the attorney general is being “chosen by judges that he himself interviewed and helped put on the bench.”

However, Republican Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville opposed the legislation because he believes the current system works fine and has produced a long line of distinguished attorneys general.