Brownback Won't Disclose Appeals Court Applicants

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback won't release the names of applicants for a new position on the Kansas Court of Appeals, even though the names of candidates have been disclosed for more than 30 years.  The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the decision by the Republican governor is being criticized by Democratic legislative leaders and the chairwoman of the statewide nominating commission, which previously screened applicants for the Court of Appeals. The Legislature added a seat to the state's second-highest court as of July 1 and changed the process for selecting its judges. They'll now be appointed by the governor, subject to state Senate confirmation, with no role for the nominating commission. Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said the governor is treating Court of Appeals appointment as he does other appointments.