Stovall endorses Adkins; Kline expects Brownback nod

Topeka ? Her decision wasn’t a surprise, but Atty. Gen. Carla Stovall on Monday endorsed Republican David Adkins in the race to succeed her.

Stovall, like Adkins, a state senator from Leawood, is a moderate Republican and political ally of Gov. Bill Graves. Stovall is not seeking re-election and ended a gubernatorial campaign in April.

Another candidate in the Republican race for attorney general is former state Rep. Phill Kline, of Shawnee, a conservative. He has been endorsed by Second District Congressman Jim Ryun and expects to pick up the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, leader of the Kansas GOP’s conservative wing.

Also on the ballot in the Aug. 6 primary is Charles McAtee, a Topeka attorney and former FBI agent and assistant U.S. attorney. The winner will face Democrat Chris Biggs, the Geary County attorney, in the Nov. 5 general election.

Spokesman Whitney Watson said Kline was not worried about Stovall’s endorsement of Adkins.

“It comes as no surprise,” he said.

Watson also noted that Kline has been critical of Stovall for refusing to join other states in settling an antitrust case against computer software giant Microsoft, and over her handling of litigation against large tobacco companies.