No change needed in judge selection process, supporters say
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Supporters of the method Kansas uses to put judges on its highest courts say there is no need to change the process.
Lawyers, businessmen and the chief judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals testified Thursday before a Senate committee. They argued against changing the Kansas Constitution to give the governor and legislators more power over appointments to the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
Currently, applicants are screened by a nominating commission, which picks three finalists before the governor makes the appointment. Supports say that method eliminates politics.
The proposed change would still have the governor make the appointments, but the judges would have to be confirmed by the Senate.
The proposed constitutional amendment would go before voters if it clears the Legislature.
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