Topeka ? Howard Fricke, the next secretary of administration, is a registered Republican — the third to snag choice assignments in Democrat Kathleen Sebelius’ administration.

Sebelius picked Lt. Gov. John Moore as her running mate and secretary of commerce. Moore switched to the Democratic Party when Sebelius selected him. Sebelius also has hired Duane Goossen, Republican Gov. Bill Graves’ budget director, as her budget director.

Tom Sawyer, chairman of the State Democratic Party, said he was surprised Sebelius picked Fricke, but Sawyer said he had no problem with the nomination, which requires Senate confirmation.

The secretary of administration probably works closer to the governor than any other Cabinet secretary, he said.

“It has to be someone the governor has a lot of confidence in. Someone she feels she can trust,” Sawyer said, but he added, laughing, “I hope she can find a few Democrats.”

Though a registered Republican, Fricke has been a Democrat in the past, and said he voted for Sebelius. Fricke’s wife, Sharon, has donated $2,500 to Sebelius during the past four years, including $900 this year, according to state campaign finance records.

The secretary of administration position oversees many of the inter-agency dealings in state government, including purchases and personnel. Fricke also is chairman of a task force appointed by Sebelius that is reviewing the state budget.

The current secretary of administration, Joyce Glasscock, is paid $95,292 annually. A salary level for Fricke has not been settled, Sebelius’ office said.

Fricke, who in the 1970s served in a Cabinet-level post in Illinois as secretary of business and economics, said it would be inappropriate to announce any immediate changes in the Administration Department.

“You can’t run government exactly like a business, but I think there are a number of fundamental management practices that you can bring from the business experience,” he said.