Statement from Governor Kathleen Sebelius on the resignation of
Attorney General Paul Morrison

“I respect Paul Morrison’s decision to step down as Attorney General. Kansans are grateful to Paul for his twenty-seven years in law enforcement, serving the people of Kansas.

“Now we must turn our attention to selecting a new Attorney General and restoring Kansans’ confidence in our state’s top law enforcement agency.  My priorities are to protect the people of Kansas and preserve their faith in our system of justice.”

Editor’s note for information on appointment of Attorney General:

The only law governing this matter is the Kansas Constitution.

Article 1, Section 11 of the Kansas Constitution provides that where there is a vacancy in the office of the Attorney General, the Governor fills the vacancy by appointment for the duration of the term.

Article 1, Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution states that the Attorney General (as well as the other executive officers) shall have such qualifications as provided by law.

K.S.A. § 75-702, which sets forth the responsibilities of the Attorney General, states as follows:

“The attorney general shall appear for the state, and prosecute and defend all actions and proceedings, civil or criminal, in the supreme court, in which the state shall be interested or a party, and shall also, when required by the governor or either branch of the legislature, appear for the state and prosecute or defend, in any other court or before any officer, in any cause or matter, civil or criminal, in which this state may be a party or interested or when the constitutionality of any law of this state is at issue. . .”

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