Gov. Sebelius appoints new District Court judge — one of her political contributors

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Gov. Sebelius appoints new District Court judge — one of her political contributors
Today, Governor Kathleen Sebelius appointed one of her political contributors to be a new Johnson County District judge. Sebelius appointed David Wesley Hauber, a Democrat from Shawnee to be the replacement for Judge Janice D. Russell, who retired. Hauber was picked by Sebelius from a list of three Democrats nominated by the 10th District Judicial Nominating Committee.


As reported by the Meadowlark on May 13, Hauber led the other nominees with the most political money contributions to Democrats, including Governor Sebelius, Attorney General Morrison, and Congressman Dennis Moore:

David Wesley Hauber, Shawnee, Democrat. Contributed $250 to Sebelius in 2006, $250 to Sebelius in 2002, $500 to Jim Slattery for Governor in 1993 (Slattery is now running for U.S. Senate). Wife, Catherine, Democrat, donated $250 to Paul Morrison for Attorney General in 2006. Open Secrets says Hauber gave $1250 to Judy Hancock (D) for Congress, and $750 to Dennis Moore for Congress. Wife, Catherine, gave $500 to Dennis more and $300 to Judy Hancock.

Oddly, in 2006 Haber argued in Douglas County District Court to allow price gouging by tow companies in Lawrence, and apparently saw nothing wrong with a $1500 fee to a tow company for a woman to get her car back.

Sebelius’ effect on Kansas courts will be felt for years, if not decades. Unfortunately, with Sebelius-appointed judges we’re losing the rule of law in Kansas as courts. For example, recently the Supreme Court, just made up a decision without a legal basis when it ordered a district court judge to NOT testify in a legal matter. In 2005, the Kansas Supreme Court usurped the power of the Kansas Legislature over the word “suitable” with regard to school finance.

Kansas courts and nominating committees have become extensions of Gov. Sebelius political power.