TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Supporters of the way Kansas puts judges on its highest courts hope to persuade legislators to drop a proposal for changing the process.
House and Senate committees planned to hear testimony Thursday against changing the Kansas Constitution to give the governor and legislators more power over appointments to the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
Backers of the current system of having applicants screened by a nominating commission say it eliminates politics. The commission picks three finalists for each opening and the governor makes the appointment, with no role for legislators.
The proposed change would still have the governor make the appointments, but they would be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The proposed constitutional amendment would go before voters if it clears the Legislature.
