TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas House’s top Democrat says he doubts supporters of changing the process for selecting state Supreme Court justices can muster enough support to get a measure passed.
House Minority Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence said Tuesday that any attempt at forging a compromise with his fellow Democrats or moderate Republicans is likely to cost votes from GOP conservatives who want a change.
Under the process spelled out in the state constitution, a nominating commission screens applications for Supreme Court vacancies and names three finalists. The governor makes the appointment, with no role for legislators.
Many GOP conservatives want to amend the state constitution to have the governor make Supreme Court appointments, subject to Senate confirmation.
Key Republicans said Tuesday that they’re working on a compromise.
