SACRAMENTO - Carole Migden, the often fiery former state senator from San Francisco, was appointed to the state Integrated Waste Board by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday.

Migden, 60, considered among many to be a left of left Democrat, was appointed to the waste board which pays $132,179 a year and which is considered among the best Sacramento political patronage positions available.

During her political career Migden also served on the state tax board, also known as the Board of Equalization. The BOE is also considered to be among the state's plum patronage positions.

From 2004 to 2008 Migden was a state senator representing SD-03 which covers most of the city of San Francisco and parts of Marin County. She was defeated in this year's primary election by fellow San Francisco Democrat and Assemblyman Mark Leno. Leno beat both Migden and Joe Nation in the primary election and went on to an easy victory in the general election last month.

Prior to that, Migden served California Assembly representing District 13 from 1996 to 2002. And before that Migden served  on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1991 to 1996.

Migden's appointment to the waste board by the governor is subject to state senate confirmation.