What did Morris say, and when did he say it?

Did Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, say that he was in contact with an employee of the Kansas Supreme Court who guaranteed he or she could sway the court to accept a school-finance bill? Morris says “no.” So do three other senators. But three more — including Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, and Sen. Jim Barnett, R-Emporia — claim Morris did say that in a conversation with them. Who is right? Who knows? But at least seven lawmakers have been interviewed by investigators in the attorney general’s office about Morris’ luncheon with Justice Lawton Nuss. Lawmakers should trust the A.G. office — and a separate inquiry into Nuss’ role by the Commission on Judicial Qualifications — to determine if there is any evidence of attempts to influence the court. And in the meantime, the controversy doesn’t change lawmakers’ responsibility to suitably finance public education.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee