Kansas governor won’t disclose other appeals court hopefuls

Gov. Sam Brownback’s office is refusing to disclose the names of potential candidates who were passed over by him for a seat on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Brownback’s office Friday rejected an open records request from The Associated Press for each application, letter or email to the governor’s office from any person applying to be or expressing an interest in the position.

The request was filed Tuesday. Two days later, Brownback nominated Kathryn Gardner of Topeka for the position, subject to state Senate confirmation.

Brownback has said releasing the names of all candidates for such positions would discourage qualified people from seeking them.

In rejecting AP’s request, his office cited a provision of the Kansas Open Records Act allowing state agencies to keep personnel records confidential.