WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday confirmed a South Portland man as the U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica.

Peter Cianchette, who ran for Maine governor as a Republican in 2002, was approved by voice vote. There were no objections. He was nominated for the Central American post in February by President Bush.

Maine’s two Republican senators praised Cianchette’s confirmation in prepared statements. Sen. Olympia Snowe called Cianchette’s confirmation “an appropriate reflection of his intellect, ability and commitment to public service.” Sen. Susan Collins said Cianchette will “make Maine and the rest of the nation proud of his public service.”

Cianchette will depart to Costa Rica within the next few weeks. He can serve until the next president is sworn into office, at which point he – and all other ambassadors – must submit letters of resignation.