http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/20/1452632/-Kansas-Republicans-trying-to-eradicate-judicial-power
"In other words, the Republicans: Passed a bill that said the Supreme Court couldn't appoint district judges. Passed a budget that would DEFUND the entire Kansas court system if the courts struck down the first bill. Now claim that the judiciary should not have the right to determine the legality of the bill or budget. And this is all because the legislature wants to intimidate and retaliate against the court because they had the nerve to insist on sufficient funding for education. The audacity, intimidation, and complete disregard of American constitutional values aside, this move is pathetically political. Just a few years ago, the Republican legislature gave power to the (currently Republican) governor to choose appellate court judges. So naturally, Schmidt says that neither the Supreme Court nor the District Court should be able to hear the case. It can only be the Kansas Court of Appeals. Shocking. The attorneys opposing the judicial administration bill find no merit in Schmidt's call for recusal. In a brief last week, they stated, "centuries of precedent make clear that it is the province and duty of this Court to decide cases that involve the scope of the Court’s authority, jurisdiction, and duties vis-à-vis the other branches of government." How can Kansas Republicans call themselves the party of small government and then attempt to give themselves essentially unlimited power? Why is the party so self-righteously tethered to values constantly working to destroy American values? Like, say, foundational elements of American government like checks and balances? Unbelievable what the Republicans are willing to sacrifice to make sure children don't get an education."
