TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A key Kansas lawmaker is promising that Gov. Sam Brownback’s next appointee to the state Court of Appeals will be thoroughly scrutinized during a special legislative session.
Independence Republican Jeff King chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. King said Wednesday he’s planning a confirmation hearing for the yet-to-be-named judge when the special session opens Sept. 3.
King also said the committee will meet as long as necessary that day.
King dismissed a claim by Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley that considering the appointment during the special session is intended to minimize scrutiny of the appointee.
The Republican governor has until Aug. 29 to nominate the judge, whose appointment requires Senate confirmation under a new Kansas law.
Wednesday was the governor’s deadline for applications for the judgeship. Brownback isn’t releasing candidates’ names.
