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Kansas Liberty: 06 June 2008
Analysis and comment: New JoCo district judge led in giving money to Democrats, including Morrison, Moore and the governor.
Sebelius appoints political contributor judge
Governor Kathleen Sebelius last week named one of her most generous political contributors a new Johnson County District judge.
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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.
The appointment was announced by the governor's office Thursday.
Sebelius’ effect on Kansas courts will be felt for years, if not decades. Unfortunately, under Sebelius-appointed judges, the courts themselves sometimes seem to operate outside the law.
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.
The Kansas Meadowlark is part of Kansas Liberty's News Alliance, a confederation of reporters, bloggers and analysts.
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