Kris Kobach

Kobach Office Could Get Expanded Power Soon

Associated Press — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:57:25 +0000

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says he is close to winning legislative approval for new power for his office to investigate and prosecute election fraud cases.

Secretary of State Kobach said Friday he's optimistic lawmakers will approve the bill when they reconvene this week to wrap up their business for the year.

The House and Senate have approved different versions of Kobach's bill, setting up negotiations over the final version. Lead House negotiator Lance Kinzer said Kobach's proposal is on track to pass.

Democrats Target Kobach's Outside Work With New Bill

Associated Press — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Kansas Democrats want to put limits on the Secretary of State.

Democratic leaders say they will introduce two measures in January in an effort to limit Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach's power, and his work outside the office on immigration and other issues.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley said Tuesday that he would submit a bill to limit the ability of statewide elected officials and their employees to work more than 10 hours a week outside their official duties and still receive compensation.

Kansas Democrat Won't Force Recount After Losing By 21 Votes

Associated Press — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 19:45:34 +0000

A Democratic legislator who's been a critic of Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach says she won't seek a recount after losing her race for re-election by 21 votes out of nearly 11,000 cast.

State Representative Ann Mah of Topeka said Friday that a recount probably wouldn't change the outcome of the 54th House District contest. She lost to Republican challenger Ken Corbet of Topeka.

The district covers parts of Douglas, Shawnee and Osage counties. The last reviews of ballots - in Shawnee County - finished late Thursday.

Lawsuit Filed Over Provisional Ballots

Associated Press — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:58:19 +0000

A Kansas House Democrat has filed a lawsuit hoping to force Shawnee County officials to turn over a list of voters who cast provisional ballots.

Rep. Ann Mah of Topeka is trying to avert a narrow election loss.

Democratic Party officials gave The Associated Press a copy of Mah's petition before it was filed in Shawnee County District Court Friday.