A Kansas Senate committee will hold a hearing Wednesday to study the governor’s choice to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Court of Appeals. Gov. Sam Brownback has picked Topeka attorney Kathryn Gardner to fill the open seat.
During the hearing, senators will hear from any supporters and opponents of Gardner’s nomination. Then, senators will have a chance to pepper Gardner with questions about her experience and qualifications.
When Brownback announced that Gardner would be his pick, he said she meets the standards Kansans set for judges.
"Kansans want judges who possess a keen intellect, strength of character, integrity and respect for the rule of law. Kansans want judges who reflect and respect the values of our great state," said Brownback.
Gardner has been a practicing attorney and for 15 years has worked for U.S. District Judge Sam Crow. If confirmed by the Kansas Senate, Gardner would replace Caleb Stegall.
Brownback previously appointed Stegall to the Court of Appeals, and later appointed him to the Kansas Supreme Court.