The recent Supreme Court appointment by Governor Brownback seems to have raised little, if any attention by voters. Governor Brownback chose his former Chief of Staff and recent appointee to the Kansas Court of Appeals, Caleb Stegall for the post over Court of Appeals Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, and Emporia’s Merlin Wheeler, the Chief Judge of the 5th District covering Lyon and Chase Counties.
Brownback’s selection of Stegall was not unexpected, but certainly did open him up for criticism for making an obvious political choice over candidates many thought were most qualified.
Paul Davis and Anthony Hensley and a host of other Democrats, of course were critical. Ryan Wright with the Kansas Value Institute said “Brownback placed trust in the least qualified and least experienced nominee.”
Several critics said the obvious choice was Arnold Burger because of her Court of Appeals experience. Plus being a female she would have helped with gender balance since the Supreme Court is under represented by women.
Once again our Governor did not choose to be obvious, smart or clever. He appointed his friend and former aide.
Monday’s Gazette carried a story from the Wichita Eagle suggesting the ”Judicial selection system worked.”
Interesting!
Unlike Court of Appeals selections the Governor did consider candidates proposed to him from the Kansas Nominating Commission. It appears the Commission did their job selecting: Stegall, a bright new face; Wheeler a tried and trusted, long serving veteran; and Arnold- Burger a well qualified female with next level experience.
Agreed, the system worked.
Governor Brownback did nothing wrong, he just was predictable.
A true test for the Governor will be if he gets re-elected if he tries to eliminate the Nominating Commission for the Supreme Court.
Locally we won by not losing Merlin Wheeler who is an outstanding judge.
The Governor should have taken a longer look. He missed a good opportunity to pick a good man.
