Of all the conclusions to be drawn about Attorney General Phill Kline’s bizarre job swap with Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison, the one that matters most to non-northeast Kansans is how it instantly resuscitates Kline’s political career — never mind Kline’s defeat at Morrison’s hands last month. “It sort of gives him a platform to keep his aspirations alive,” Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, told the Topeka Capital-Journal. That article also noted that “future campaigns by Kline for governor or Congress shouldn’t be dismissed as laughable. Imagine the possibilities of a rematch with Morrison in the 2010 race for attorney general. Both will have had years to comb through the files of their foe to identify opportunities of criticism. The second-guessing of each other on the campaign trail could be unprecedented.”
Shudder. We only thought the just-ended attorney general’s race was as ugly as it gets.
Kline, by the way, doesn’t seem to be looking back in anger. When his daughter’s English springer spaniel had puppies hours after he was picked for the Johnson County job, Kline named one “Snoop Dog” — inspired by those “Snoop Dog Kline” mailings from a group connected to the ProKanDo abortion rights political action committee.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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69 Comments
When does Johnson County elect their DA? That could be interesting.
I think they post Phill Kline stuff here just to get you guys riled up.
He’s obviously a good prosecutor – plus he argued the KS death penalty before SCOTUS and won.
I’d want him as my DA.
I want for him to be your DA KGN. Just please don’t foist off the incompetent/only-a-politician with no real job experience on the rest of KS.
Before going to the SCOTUS, Kline had to undergo hours & hours of remedial education on being a lawyer with the faculty at Washburn Univ. I would like to know how much that cost the tax payers of Kansas.
SD,If it kept the Carr Boys, Kleypus, March, Scott, Belt, et al on death row…
..it was worth it.
In a limited way I agree – obviously I am glad the people you mention will be unable to harm others. But I disagree that we should have been stuck with an AG who had severe limitations in knowing how to do his job. I am betting Morrison won’t have to get similar on-the-job-training/remedial education.
Steven D.-
Yes, Kline prepped extensively before arguing before the SCOTUS. It’s called being prepared. Morrison would have, wisely, done the same had he been making that argument.
The idea that getting specialized preparation before appearing before the SCOTUS is somehow a sign of incompetence is ridiculous. I’ve argued dozens of criminal cases before the appellate courts of Kansas, and if I went before the SCOTUS, I’d want extensive preparation, too.
There’s a lot of reasons to not support Kline, but this isn’t one of them. And I like Paul Morrison, and have worked for him, but – BTW – what is Morrison? A POLITICIAN, by definition. One not above conveniently switching parties when it suits his interests, it appears.
Kline, as he’s not particularly experienced as a criminal trial prosecutor, is not ideally suited to be a DA. However, being DA in a county like JoCo is mostly administration, not trial work, and in that sense is similar to being AG. If I were the Repubs of JoCo this is not a choice I’d have wanted, especially since there’s an experienced prosecutor (Steve Howe) in the office ready to take over. But they did what they did.
And I’m with Sol – nothing riles up the lefties like a Kline thread. Keeps the comment counter rolling, even when it’s a post-election non-issue. And that’s the Eagle’s interest.
“Before going to the SCOTUS, Kline had to undergo hours & hours of remedial education on being a lawyer with the faculty at Washburn Univ. I would like to know how much that cost the tax payers of Kansas.”-Stephen Davis
“SD,If it kept the Carr Boys, Kleypus, March, Scott, Belt, et al on death row…
..it was worth it.”-ksgolfnut
All of which, of course, ignores the likelihood that other AG’s would a) not have needed the remedial education and b) probably would have also won the case. The Supreme Court of the US is hardly leaning towards invalidating states’ autonomy in matters relating to the death penalty.
Like I said in the other thread on Kline, I suspect that he is not likely to make it past the next Republican primary in JoCo, particularly if he pursues his records crusade with Planned Parenthood.
The bulk of people in Kansas do not want Christian Right office holders whose obsessions on abortion and other matters dominate their agendas. That has been the lesson of Kansas politics, and Kline will become an object lesson again if he continues to act the fool.
SD,I don’t know if there is any truth to the “re-education” notion. Even if it’s true – it was worth it.
I’m an engineer by education, and I spent a great deal of my early career designing, creating, evaluating… If I had to do some of that now, I’d have to take a reminder course, too.
I certainly can’t fault his methodology and outcome on this issue.
I’m with you, GMC; should I ever have the opportunity to appear before SCOTUS, I’ll be getting all the preparation assistance I can. Any lawyer who has never so appeared would, frankly, be a damned fool to not do so.
As I have posted before, it is my personal opinion that the victory in SCOTUS on the Kansas death penalty was as much coincidence in the timing of the retirement of Justice O’Connor and her replacement, Justice Alito, being confirmed. Remember, the favorable decision was obtained after reargument, indicating a 4-4 split among the remaining Justices after her retirement. While she could have just as well been in the majority to overturn the Kansas Supreme Court, reading some of her opinions in earlier cases suggests to me that her vote,the swing vote, was in favor of affirming. Unless she tells us, we’ll not know.
And, as I have agreed with GMC in the past, the JoCo DA is more of an administrator, as is the Attorney General. Both Mr. Kline and Mr. Morrison are politicians, else they would not have sought the jobs they have.
While I am not sorry Mr. Kline was defeated, and was not too surprised he received the JoCo appointment, the fact that either would require “schooling” before making a SCOTUS appearance is not indicative of his competence, or lack thereof, as an administrator/politican holding the office of Attorney General.
Anyone who thinks that Kline’s 2 cents offered duirng oral argument to the SCOTUS made the difference in winning that decision is foolish. That decision – as already pointed out by VTolle – was much more a result of the numerous briefs including amici) filed, the clerks who research and write for the justices, and the composition of the SCOTUS. If Kline’s primary motivation had been to win the case, instead of bolstering his ego or resume, he would have hired a seasoned Wash DC lawyer who has argued dozens of other cases before the SCOTUS to handle the orals.
So, Phillll won, but didn’t win?More Lib Logic, Lady.
Vaughn and GMC are absolutely correct. As they say in real estate, “Location, location, location.” Well, in the legal profession, it’s “Preparation, preparation, preparation”! But, here’s the rub. One would assume that someone elected to the office of Attorney General of the State, based upon his credentials and experience, would be (at least) prepared enough to argue at SCOTUS that a quick remedial brush-up would bring he/she “up to speed”. As I recall, Phillkline’s remedial course was intensive and cost the taxpayers in excess of $75,000. He had 30 minutes of oral argument — that’s $2500/minute + while he was getting what amounts to a hell of a “stipend”, as it were, we were paying his salary. But, then again, he wasn’t elected based upon his credentials nor his experience, was he?
He is great, if the state can’t use him, Johnson County can.
rm6046
Unless it is done regularly (and I suspect even then), you don’t just “brush up” to appear before the SCOTUS. Unless you’re an idiot.
You get specialized preparation. You prepare to win.
As to the comment that he could have hired a seasoned DC lawyer – yes, and given the idiotic criticism here about being prepared, imagine how he’d have been pilloried for hiring someone else. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Morrison would have done the same. As would I. As would Vaughn. As would any lawyer who’s not a fool. Get over it.
“So, Phillll won, but didn’t win?More Lib Logic, Lady.”
What a compelling rebuttal. Label the logic “lib” and that invalidates her argument.
I know that once in awhile you cam actually compose an intelligent argument that rises above sandbox name calling (like “lib”, or for that matter “repugs”), so why don’t you give that a try again instead?
Hey fleettwood, see GMC’s rebuttal (even if it was to rm rather than Kelly)?
That’s how it’s done.
“Unless it is done regularly (and I suspect even then), you don’t just “brush up” to appear before the SCOTUS. Unless you’re an idiot.
You get specialized preparation. You prepare to win.”
Taking you at your word, and I have no reason not to, would that specialized preparation have costed $75,000 regardless of who the AG was (note: I am not claiming the above figure is accurate, I am going just on what was posted here).
“Here’s my rebuttal:Below me, faggott.”
I’m suitably devestated.
ks ag-When I want your opinion, I will poke it out of you with the famous sharp stick.
“ks ag-When I want your opinion, I will poke it out of you with the famous sharp stick.”
1) My opinions are free, wanting them is not required for receipt.
2) If you think I am simply going to stand around and wait while you find your sharp stick with your magnifying glass and tweezers, you’re out of your mind.
3) This is my last word on this subject (of our conversation, not necessarily the thread).
ks ag, likely so, IMHO.
I know they are around here someplace.
ksagnostic;
I don’t know what the going rate for that kind of preparation is, having never argued before the SCOTUS, but I suspect it was cheaper than hiring an experienced DC hired gun, and probably more effective. An advocate with an actual interest is always more compelling than a hired gun.
An aside: I’ve had two petitions for cert arrive on my desk; on the first, I had to sit down and catch my breath thinking I might have to argue before the SC. Then realized it was just a PETITION for cert, and very few are accepted. But for a few moments, my legs shook! Scary and exhilarating; an adrenaline rush, and just at the thought.
Maybe, if I’m lucky (or unlucky), I may get that opportunity someday. I kinda hope so.
And one more thing. If I could do that, I’d never leave the damned house!
I suspect that a “hired gun” DC firm could not have been retained for less than $100,000; obviously, I have no way of knowing, but as some partners in such firms bill >$500/hr, seems likely.
GMC, I’ve never received a cert petition; I have assisted (once, and only once) in the preparation of one, which was, as the great majority are, denied. That, in and of itself, was an experience. If I thought I was going to argue before SCOTUS, someone better have EMS on speed dial! :)
VT -
Amen! Bring the oxygen – I’ll need it. The thought of arguing before the SCOTUS is exciting – and scares the shit out of me.
My oh my. The Dems got everything going their way since the last election and yet they are still spewing their hatred. Talk about your sore winners. Well I guess when you spent the last six years in a blind rage its hard to switch it off. Why shouldn’t Phill Kline be JOCO DA? Actually his showing on election day was pretty good considering the avalanche of blood money from every vile and disgusting source and negative publicity from the KC Star, Topeka CJ and every other media outlet. Well the JOCO big boys that run this State still have Phill looking over their shoulder. And after they spent all that money to get rid of him once and for all. I’m sure the JOCO dems and rino’s will team up to get rid of him in 08, but don’t count him out even then. You can’t keep a good man down.
“You can’t keep a good man down.”
And this applies to Phillkline how, Chris? Each and every attorney and employee in the Johnson County District Attorney’s office should submit their resignation effective January 1, 2007. They have nothing to lose. Phillkline will fire them anyway, and replace them with his zealots and Phelps’ offspring.
Six years in a blind rage? How ’bout that eight years during Clinton’s two terms that the republicans not only went into a blind rage, they helped widen the great divide.
Forgot about that, huh?
GMC – keep us posted. I’d love to watch if you get there.
rox – they were not in a blind rage; they were just doing their diligence. Get your GOP talking points straight!
/sarcasm off
chris sounds like a born again nut.
You are out of your mind if you think 42 percent is a good showing in a republican state. Remember Kline lost support from some powerful republicans too, who spoke out against him.
Since the general default vote is republican- that means a lot would have to know exactly why they were voting democrat. and that says a lot.
And in JOCO- where there is an abortion clinic and people REALLY know what’s going on with that- kline only got 35% of the vote.
Simply amazing.
Well doggonit P.M. you found me out. And I thought I was being so clever. Yes P.M. I am a born again nutcase or religious whackjob, or fundie or whatever pithy little name you want to hang on me. Actually, I prefer to be called just a sinner who was saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. There, I went and did it. I used the JC name. Call the blog police!I suppose in your world that means I am totally discredited. Don’t worry though. On this blog I’m sure 90% of the Posters agree with you.Anyway, I hope Phill does clean house when he gets there. Why would he want to keep people loyal to Paul (I’m just a little ole democrat) Morrison? Do you really think Morrison is going to keep any Kline people around the AG’s office when he gets there? Of course there might be a cutie or two he might want to keep around to hit on later.
You asked why Phill Kline shouldn’t be DA, and I told you why.
Why would you want someone whose sole purpose is to destroy abortion clinics?
Oh forgive me, that’s the obvious answer…you want a DA whose sole purpose is to destroy abortion clinics. Another good reason WHY he’s wrong for the job.
And religious nutjobs should not hold political office. Laws should be based on fact, not religious beliefs.
I am a professional, licensed in the State of Kansas to practice my trade. I must have classes to keep current in my field. What Phill did, in order to appear before Supreme Court, was just plain common sense.
I have to wonder WHY Morrison and Sebelius came out against Kline so strongly???? Were they NERVOUS??? Of course.
I have worked for Morrison too. The ONLY reason he actually prosecuted cases was so he could have his mug on TV. He only took slam-dunk cases. The more difficult ones, he passed on to his assistants. He would get excited when a vicious, traumatic, violent crime occurred in Jo County——so he could be the Hero, or “lawman.” How SICK is that to celebrate a violent crime for his own benefit. What about the victims??
By the way….Good riddance to Rick Guinn. He tried to portray himself as a Republican. I am greatful the Repubs saw through that facade. After all, he is now following Morrison to Topeka—more coattails. Be sure to watch how Morrision hands off the shit cases to Guinn………
Why does every Religious Nutjob have to play the victim of persecution? I’m sick and tired of having these so-called Christians whine and moan about being called names because they used the name Jesus Christ.
A true Christian does not have to go out and shout out to everyone they are a Christian. It should be evident by the the actions in one’s life.
Playing a victim must give these religious nutjobs some sort of satisfaction. For the life of me, I don’t see what it would be.
Chuckle… I love it. Atheists and agnostics instructing Christians on how to be “a true Christian”. As if ..
I think good and true atheists and agnostics should be less strident and more silent.
“Chuckle… I love it. Atheists and agnostics instructing Christians on how to be “a true Christian”. As if ..”-Political Mom
Just because someone uses the term religions nutjob does not make them an atheist or agnostic. Indeed, in my experience most people who use the term “true Christian” tend to see themselves as Christians (although of couse there are always exceptions). I know a number of Christians who refer to right wing Christians by unflattering terminology, although that vice is also versa probably fivefold.
“I think good and true atheists and agnostics should be less strident and more silent.”
Because, of course, atheists and agnostics are typically “strident”. Your assumptions say more about you than they say about agnostics and atheists.
On the other hand…
“And religious nutjobs should not hold political office. Laws should be based on fact, not religious beliefs.”-Political Mom
The Constitution disallows any test for office on the basis of religous belief, even for those you or I might find nutty. The “nutjobs” have a lot of politcal support, and the only way to keep them office is to consistently vote them out of office.
Correction: The first two quotes in my previous post, of course, are of outlander, NOT political_mom.
You misquoted, I didn’t say that first one.
But I agree with you.
:D, I figured that was an accident, thanks.
On other news, did anyone take notice that the new House Chair just dismantled all of the heads of committees, he replaced conservative members with ultra-conservatives.
MOST noted, replaced the guy who worked for funding the schools after the supreme court mandate.
And he appointed Landweir to Health
I FREAKING TOLD YOU SO.
Now, who was the member on here who said Neufeld was such a good idea?
Abortion = stupid stupid stupid blog topic. No one is going to change anyone else’s mind. And y’all just say the same crap over and over and over. Give it a rest.
Now, on a happier note…My oldest child goes to one of the largest high schools in the state. It’s a public school (obviously), and funded by taxpayer money (equally obvious). Tonight, they had a Christmas concert. The choir sang multiple Christmas songs including MANY Christian hymns. In fact, the show closed with Silent Night, Holy Night.
It was a beautiful concert. And there were TWO Christmas trees on the stage. And…at the end of the concert…the Choir Director wished us all a Merry Christmas!
I’m very happy to report that the secular progressives are NOT in business at my kid’s school. =)
That’s because most of those who object probably stayed home.
Fabulous to leave out members of a school because THEY aren’t the right religion- even though they help pay the bills too.
There were kids of many races in the choir – easily a couple hundred kids. And I’m sure there were multiple religions represented, too.
It was a CHRISTMAS concert. It was about CHRISTMAS – the birth of Christ.
And there wasn’t a single protest. Imagine that…
As a matter of fact, I think it’s a travesty to be using public school dollars and taxpayer money to take time out of their learning time to put on all these programs. Maybe if we didn’t have all these religious programs, they’d actually raise their test scores a bit?
Isn’t that the conservative argument? TAX DOLLARS, FUNDING, BAD SCHOOLS!
No, Golf, there probably was, a silent one. With that many kids I’ll bet there were MANY who didn’t participate.
Race has nothing to do with one’s religion.
I was damned proud of the kids, the teachers, the staff.
Christmas is a Christian holiday. And tonight it was celebrated as such. If those that protested stayed home – great. But I doubt it. This choir is stellar, and kids go to great lengths to be in it.
Multiple races typically equals multiple religions.
Not so much in America really.
All I knew of growing up was Chanukkah and Christmas.Experienced Ramadan in college. I don’t know what’s going on with the Kwanza.
Went to a choir performance myself this evening. I was a bit disappointed to find that my son was also singing songs concerning the Christian faith. And I found the bringing in of the colors and Star Spangled banner an odd addition to a seasonal program.
But I used it as a lesson.
The school had tried to get my kid enrolled in “leadership”. That’s JROTC. My son found the uniforms and ritual of the color guard uninteresting and a bit silly and was glad he chose not to join “leadership”. I explained to him that some people need this ritual to feel more American.
I explained to him that the words to the songs he was taught to sing were just words in songs. Oh Come all ye faithful is no more special than Grandma got runover by a reindeer. It is just that some folks need to hear the words in these songs to confirm their faith in something they cannot see, just like Santa Claus.
It was a pleasant evening.
My experiences growing up were that on the Christmas programs, our elders held pizza parties, steeped in much biblical discussion as always.
But it was kindof a way to make us kids not feel so left out and alone, or at least they presented it that way. I really think now that it was more to keep tabs on if the congregation was holding to keeping their children out of the programs.
We endured quite a bit of hostility over not being part of it all.
Not participating in the concert would have a detrimental effect on the kid’s grade – just as it should be.
Choir is an elective class. Participating in the concerts is part of the grade.
Obviously that’s not good for anyone Mom.JR I commend you for holding true to your beliefs and at the same time letting your son participate with his classmates rather than be ostrasized (sp?)
Political Mom,
It is the liberals who push for all those “extra curicular” activities and their funding so much.
Believe me, I would love to see nothing but reading, writing, math, and science.
Are you ready to git rid of all the music programs, sports, along with Choir too? Since they all tdistract from the test scores?
I didn’t think so.
So stop crying about a Christmas concert.
JR,
Why do you lie to your son?
Some people need the ritual to feel more American?
I don’t think I have met a person yet who has said that or participates for those reasons.
It is more about pride and tradition than wanting to feel more American.
That is the stupidist thing I have heard in a while.
Of course you wouldn’t know much about pride or tradition and unfortunately it appears as if your son won’t either.
JR,Symbolism is a big part of any society. I’m sure the fact that the people who fought and died in the American Revolution were mostly English Protestants upsets your athiestic sensibilities. Perhaps we can send you to a country where athiests are the majority?
Oh, wait a minute…No such country exists.
Grandkids pre-K did their concert last night too; we had a lot of fun. I think the teachers were a bit surprised at the large turnout of parents and grandparents; I (and they I am sure) like to see that much support from parents for their kids.
See how it works folks?
I did not protest the school program. I did not keep my kid out of it. I stood when they trooped the flag by and when they sang the Star Spangled banner.
But for Nathan and Crusader X that aint good enough!
NO, I’m supposed to just shove my kid through the experience without any comment or qualification. Be a good little drone son!
Why don’t you comment on the post that preceeded and prmpted mine? You know, where golfnuts was basically lauding the Christian steerage of public school students?
Will I really could not care less about your opinion, given that you aint exactly playing with a full deck.
Nathan how exatly did I lie to my son? Can YOU explain the relevance of a flag ceremony at a music concert? I mean beyond how I defined it?
My sense of coutry runs a little deeper and more thoughtful than rah rah nationalism.
i am a joco republican. i voted against kline and am very disappointed that he is my DA now. the state didnt want him for good reasons. joco republicans should be ashamed of themselves for electing him to DA. it was a party vote, not for what was best for JOCO. before he starts in on abotions clinics, i hope he finds home for all the kids that dont have them. maybe when he was AG he should have been tougher on child abusers, before chasing after abortion clinics. i get tired of hearing about children being killed, locked up and beaten by parents that dont want them. our system isnt set up to wipe out abortion. they are bigger hurdles to jump before that one.
Political Mom, with all due respect, you know I am so far on the left I am almost on the right. That is by way of saying how hard it is for me to support a winger. However….
Neufeld has been a friend to Cedar Bluff and the water issues in Kansas in general. Dan Johnson is from Hays and has been a TOTAL asswipe on water issues, particularly on Cedar Bluff. While you all dont give a rats ass about Cedar Bluff (yet!) Salina may want to take a closer look ’cause it sure affects YOUR water supply.
Many water issues come before the Ag committee, and Johnson has been a jerk every single time. Who does David Pope work for? You got it. He is in the Dept. of Ag. Chief Water Engineer. The guy who has over appropriated Kansas water for over 20 years.
Gee… do ya think any of those things might have cost “Big” dan johnson his chairmanship? Along with his notoriously cozy relationship with governor leadership?
It isnt always about school finance. Sometimes it is about water too.
Maybe Neufeld is trying to bring some sanity to water issues and needs to get rid of big dan in that position in order to do so? Cant get to David Pope as long as big dan and adrian polansky are protecting him. One down, one to go?
Believe me mom, it is hard for me to support Neufeld after his work on the hate amendment. But that fight is over and water wars are just begining.
One cloud on the horizon though, Neufeld is going to have a hard time now justifying the water usage by the coal fired plant in his district after he has supported water conservation and wise water usage all these years.
Whatever will he do? Whatever will governor leadership do?
This could be interesting. Better pop the corn now….
KFG, I don’t know what the topic is here, but let me just add this….BILL CLINTON!BILL CLINTON!
The thing is farmgirl, at least a moderate might be swayed to change their opinion. With Neufeld, I don’t see that happening. I don’t trust a neoCON to do the right thing any day of the week.
And JR, you nailed it, I was thinking the same thing. See, you can’t even win with neonazi Christian fundies- YOU BETTER BELIEVE buddy.
Hey Farmgirl, does your significant other have a brother who died in his 20’s?
I understand your level of discomfort, kfg, on Neufeld; I find your comments on his position regarding water spot on. I, too, will be interested to watch him deal with the coal fired plant and its water usage given his history on water issues.
Nutjob,Tell you what- you keep your religion in your church where it belongs, in place of the politics you’ve been preaching there, and I’ll keep my politics out of the schools!