Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas University have made changes to the conditions in the hiring of Burdett Loomis, the chairman of the political science department at KU, it was revealed Thursday.

Privately, some Republican lawmakers had complained about the original arrangement made with Loomis.

But spokesmen for Sebelius and KU said the changes had nothing to do with legislative complaints.

Last week, Sebelius announced hiring Loomis as director of administrative communications.

Under the arrangement, KU would continue paying $54,000 of Loomis’ annual salary. The governor’s office was to pay the remaining $34,000. In addition, Loomis would step down as department chairman but continue to direct an internship program that allows 20 KU students to work in the Capitol during the legislative session.

But on Thursday, the governor’s office said it would pay Loomis’ total salary, KU would place Loomis on leave, and he would not direct the intern program.

Nicole Corcoran, a spokeswoman for Sebelius, said the governor’s office decided to take on Loomis’ full salary after analyzing similar arrangements made between previous administrations when they borrowed personnel from higher education institutions.

She denied the change was made in the face of complaints from lawmakers. Sebelius is a Democrat facing a significant Republican majority in the House and Senate.

KU spokeswoman Lynn Bretz said the decision to place Loomis on leave was done after “further reflection.” She said she hadn’t heard of any complaints from legislators.

KU prof to guide Capitol discourse (12-11-04) KU’s Loomis named to governor’s communications post (12-10-04)

Loomis said he had heard indirectly that some lawmakers were upset he would be directing the internship program.

But, he said he thought the new arrangement was best if it removed any suspicions.

Loomis’ job with Sebelius will be to coordinate the flow of information within the administration and between state government and the public. He starts next month.