SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate still hasn't approved Gov. Pat Quinn's selection of a 29-year-old with no police experience to head the Illinois State Police.

Jonathon Monken, a West Point graduate and former mortgage banker, has been acting director since he was named to the post in March.

The state Senate must approve the appointment before Monken can drop "acting" from his title.

Democratic Sen. Tony Munoz of Chicago says lawmakers have been too busy with other matters, like the state budget.

Monken's appointment came as a surprise to some, but Quinn has defended the nomination.

He says Monken is a leader officers can look up to. Monken led more than 100 combat missions when he served in Kosovo and Iraq.