TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Many abortion opponents and conservative Republicans in Kansas are pushing to give the governor and legislators more influence over the appointment of appellate court judges.
But a proposal seen as a step toward accomplishing their goals has stalled in the Legislature.
The state Senate rejected a bill Thursday to have the governor appoint new Court of Appeals judges, subject to Senate confirmation. The measure would end the screening of applications for the court by a nominating commission controlled by attorneys.
The Senate’s 22-17 vote against the measure showed Democrats and moderate Republicans still have misgivings about changing how Court of Appeals judges and state Supreme Court justices are selected.
However, there are concerns that the process is dominated unfairly by lawyers and not open enough to the public.
