A state agency that makes loans and grants to schools and local governments remains without a permanent leader.

Tia Nelson resigned as executive secretary of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands in July, after Republican commissioner and state Treasurer Matt Adamczyk tried to ban Nelson from speaking about climate change. Board chairman and state Attorney General Brad Schimel said there are now eight candidates to replace Nelson.

"There have been additional resumes that have come in, although I can't imagine why anybody would want this job right now, to tell you the truth," he said.

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Schimel, a Republican, said there have been verbal attacks on some of the applicants, most of whom have ties to the Republican Party. Schimel also said some of the commissioners' meetings have been very contentious.

The board may meet again later this month after Schimel finishes an opinion on public information about the applicants.