Kobach Considering Appeal of Redistricting Ruling

Secretary of State Kris Kobach says he’s considering an appeal of a federal court order requiring Kansas to cover $389,000 worth of attorneys’ fees and expenses for parties in a lawsuit over political redistricting.

Kobach said Thursday that it’s “ridiculous” that taxpayers would have to foot such a bill.

The lawsuit stemmed from the Legislature’s impasse last year over redrawing the state’s political boundaries to ensure equal representation. Three federal judges hearing the lawsuit drew new lines themselves.

Kobach was sued as the state’s chief elections officer. The judges handling the case allowed 27 people to participate in the case against Kobach over his objections.

The judges ruled Tuesday that 15 individuals are entitled to have at least some of their attorneys’ fees and expenses covered by the state.