1) can be from either political party or none at all;

2) doesn’t have to be an attorney.

This opens up the appointment process to just about anybody who catches the Governor’s eye.

How about Bob Knight?

Like you, I’ve talked to many reporters. Some on background, some for attribution. Some on deadline, some for “feature” articles. Most of the reporters I’ve talked to are conscientious people on a tight, busy schedule. There are some lazy ones (I could name names!!!), but most are hard working people just doing the best they can in a tough business.

The whole AG-replacement confusion in the press was surprising. I know the Governor’s Office was telling the press what the facts were, but then they’d still go off and write articles speculating on Thornburg’s role in calling a special election. There was no reason for the confusion, then or now.

This whole fiasco has me waiting for Rod Serling to step out from behind a curtain somewhere.

That is how press releases, from candidates and companies, often make it into “news” stories, almost verbatim.

Research, especially in the internet age, is not that hard. Reporters do have trouble “connecting the dots”, unfortunately.

If you are willing to connect those dots, for them, gosh, they don’t have to do any work!

The full Kansas Constitution is posted here:

http://www.kslib.info/ref/constitution/index.html

I’m surprised so few people bother reading it before opining on it. Not just you, Jwink, but even the reporters around the state who were “confused” about the succession immediately after Morrison announced his resignation. They of all people should know how to do their research. It’s all out there on the ‘net, ya know?

But anyway it seems to answer the question of how Paul Morrison will be replaced. I wonder if the Governor is obligated to replace Democrat Paul Morrison with a Democrat? Since she is a Democrat, I presume she probably would!

You’re wrong. From the Kansas Constitution:

Article 1.–EXECUTIVE

Section 11: Vacancies in executive offices. When the office of governor is vacant, the lieutenant governor shall become governor. In the event of the disability of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall assume the powers and duties of governor until the disability is removed. The legislature shall provide by law for the succession to the office of governor should the offices of governor and lieutenant governor be vacant, and for the assumption of the powers and duties of governor during the disability of the governor, should the office of lieutenant governor be vacant or the lieutenant governor be disabled. When the office of secretary of state or attorney general is vacant, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment for the remainder of the term. If the secretary of state or attorney general is disabled, the governor shall name a person to assume the powers and duties of the office until the disability is removed. The procedure for determining disability and the removal thereof shall be provided by law.

As a refresher, in each primary election, each political party elects precinct committeemen and precinct committeewomen. (If no candidates, these positions may later be filled by appointment).

These precinct people later elect representatives from their group to the district level corresponding to the congressional districts.

These district representatives later elect the state-wide political committee members.

In the case of a vacancy in an elected state-wide position such as the Attorney General, a Democrat … the state wide Democratic committeemen would make the selection.

I’m sure if I am wrong, someone such as a party chairman here in Sedgwick County will quickly correct me.

An otherwise elected official appointed by the Governor is not so good. This is probably political payback to the appointee.

I think the Governor should appoint an interim KSAG until a special election can be held.

Perhaps someone who is familiar with these requirements could enlighten us.

Econ, no but it would be nice if they simply follow the law, which means not using the office for his personal agenda and keep their pants on.

I have met Mr. Welch several times during his prior occupation, fine man and good troop.I think he is a fine choice and would do honor to the office.