TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas trial-court judge opposed by an influential anti-abortion group is among three finalists to fill a vacancy on the state’s highest court.
A state nominating commission on Friday named Shawnee County District Judge Evelyn Wilson as a potential appointee for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to consider. Kelly’s appointee will go on the court without any review by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Kansans for Life announced its opposition this week to her candidacy, citing her husband’s political contributions to Kelly and other abortion-rights supporters. She has declined to comment, but he said she steers clear of politics.
Commission members said they were unaware of the group’s opposition.
The commission also selected Deputy Kansas Attorney General Dennis Depew and Assistant Kansas Solicitor General Steven Obermeier as finalists for Kelly to consider.
