Topeka ? Some are calling it a “Lawrence mafia.”

Though Lawrence represents only about 3 percent of the state’s population, the city’s residents make up a large portion of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ administration.

Sebelius, a Democrat from Topeka, has often looked eastward when filling positions from Cabinet secretaries to top-level staffers.

Of 13 Cabinet vacancies, Sebelius filled five with people living in Lawrence or rural Douglas County. And four Lawrence residents serve in top positions on her staff.

At least one lawmaker has mentioned grumbling from some folks about the creation of a “Lawrence Mafia” on the second floor of the Kansas Statehouse.

But other lawmakers say they haven’t really noticed, nor do they consider it a problem — even though Lawrence residents generally tend to be more liberal than those from the rest of Kansas.

One legislative staffer quipped Sebelius may just be trying to keep the Kansas Turnpike Authority in business by adding commuters.

House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said Sebelius’ Lawrence pick he noticed was Troy Findley as legislative liaison. Findley, a Democrat, had been serving in the House.

“Troy Findley was an excellent legislator,” Mays said. “He was a great choice for her.”

Mays added that he didn’t count Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Mike Hayden as a Lawrence resident even though Hayden lives in Lawrence.

“I don’t look at Mike Hayden as a Lawrence guy. That’s a stretch,” Mays said of Hayden, a former Republican governor known for his western Kansas roots.

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Douglas County Commissioner Bob Johnson said he didn’t know whether having such a large Lawrence presence in the Capitol would help, but added: “Surely it ought not to hurt us.”

“Those people who have been appointed are extremely capable, deep thinkers,” Johnson said. “Their first interest will be the state of Kansas and the second interest would be Lawrence.”

Jean Milstead, interim president of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said the Lawrence contingent would help the city.

“It certainly gives us easier access to the governor’s office,” she said. “If you know someone there, you feel more comfortable about picking up the phone and calling to find out what avenue to take.”

Several officials said the reason for the large Lawrence group was probably because Douglas County has a high Democratic population for Kansas. And as home to Kansas University, the city produces a bumper crop of people who want to serve in government.

Sebelius declined to comment.

Also, Milstead said she heard Sebelius spent a lot of time in Lawrence for movies, music and dining.

“I think she has a real affection for Lawrence,” Milstead said.