State lawmakers are considering two constitutional amendments that would change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. The proposals in the Kansas House would either provide for partisan elections of justices, or allow for justices and appeals court judges to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Both proposals would abolish the Supreme Court nominating commission. Republican Representative Stephanie Clayton from Overland Park Clayton and is questioning the process that House leaders are suggesting.
Clayton opposes both measures. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt told lawmakers there will be questions about how Supreme Court justices are chosen until voters decide the issue. Supporters say the current system keeps partisan politics out of the process.
