TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two cases headed to Kansas appellate courts next week are expected to put the judges in a political spotlight that could have an impact on their careers.
All 14 judges of the Kansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday will hear the state’s appeal of a lower court ruling striking down a new abortion law.
The next day the state Supreme Court will consider a case regarding the court’s own power to supervise lower courts. A majority of the jurists will be up for retention votes next year.
Some experts are predicting those elections will draw a flood of money from outside interest groups seeking to change the makeup of those courts.
Last year Governor Sam Brownback campaigned against the retention of two Supreme Court justices.