Frustrated GOP lawmakers weigh move to impeach top judges

(AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas, weary of conflicts with a judiciary that has been pushing for more school spending, are beginning to act on a measure to expand the legal grounds for impeaching judges.

The serious consideration of the measure, though, signals the exceedingly bitter political climate in the state.

Since Gov. Sam Brownback and GOP supermajorities won control of the statehouse in 2010, conservatives have passed a steady stream of bills cutting income taxes and spending, expanding gun rights and restricting abortion.

The state Supreme Court has issued rulings to force increased spending on public schools, citing a constitutional requirement that schools be adequately funded, and threatened last month to shut the schools this fall if lawmakers don't comply.

The court also has overturned death sentences in capital murder cases and is reviewing a case that could toss out abortion restrictions.

Callie Denton, executive director of the state trial lawyers' association, said Kansas is "really ground zero" for conservative antagonism for toward the courts.