AUGUSTA (AP) — An effort to make the Labrador retriever Maine’s official state dog has been dealt a blow by the Senate.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 24-10 in favor of killing the bill that was introduced by Democratic Sen. David Dutremble of Biddeford. The State and Local Government Committee voted 9-2 against the bill last month.

Supporters had said that dog would represent Maine well because it’s friendly, hard-working and loves the outdoors. But many lawmakers said the bill was unnecessary and argued that it was inappropriate for the Legislature to play favorites by choosing one breed over another.

The bill now heads to the House, where Democrats hold the majority.