Jefferson City -- Gov.-elect Jay Nixon is getting help assembling his administration from several Democratic lawmakers who lost bids for higher office.

Nixon said Thursday that state Rep. Judy Baker, of Columbia, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress, will lead his personnel search for the departments of Social Services, Health and Senior Services and Elementary and Secondary Education.

State Reps. Margaret Donnelly and Jeff Harris, who finished second and third in the Democratic attorney general primary, also will have a role.

Nixon named Susan McCollum, of St. Louis, as head of his transition team's recruitment efforts.

Dan Burkhardt will lead Nixon's personnel search for the departments of Economic Development; Revenue; Higher Education; and Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration.

Jon Hagler, of St. James, was named to head the personnel search for the Department of Agriculture.

Union official Garry Kemp was chosen to lead the personnel search for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Department of Corrections.