(AP) — The bitter legal battle in Kansas over education spending is garnering national attention, thanks to the defiant tone struck by conservative Republican leaders as they wait for a state Supreme Court ruling in a funding lawsuit.

Top Republicans in the GOP-dominated Legislature contend the Supreme Court doesn’t have the authority under the state constitution to tell lawmakers how much to spend on schools.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is with them. He pointedly called out the Supreme Court in his State of the State speech last week with five of the seven justices present.

With such statements, Brownback and GOP legislative leaders suggest they’re prepared to ignore a Supreme Court order for a massive spending increase.

And experts say such a move could resonate around the country.